+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[And in a flutter of sakura petals, suddenly everything returns to normal. That wasteland sweeps away, the vegetation and water growing out to cover the proper main island of Miracle Country. And you’re back to normal, too! Everything that just happened… was it a dream or another life? Those memories will linger, regardless.

You’ll find that with the abrupt change, though, that some of the other effects still linger, too: relationships from that ‘world,’ that expectation that there won’t be enough food or water, residual abilities you had then, your own abilities being slow to return. Don’t stray too far into the forest, either – there are worms out there now. And they're a little uneasy with this suddenly new, foreign environment.

But welcome back. The sakura trees are blooming today – and hey, there’s plenty of food and water after a few weeks of dire scenarios. Maybe it’s a little too abundant. A few areas around Miracle Country are a little flooded with the rush to return to normal.]

[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.]

🌸

[[Our CLAMP AU event continues!]]

[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.]

[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.]]

[Are you busy watching that special person from afar, convinced they will never notice your existance? At home, working hard on that home-made lunch to share with them? Busy rehearsing that perfect confession to your special person, to say during a windy day so that flower petals flutter all around the two of you? Alone, longingly thinking of that one person you can't meet, the world separating the two of you...



Wait, that doesn't sound right, does it? But today, it might not seem that far-fetched. It's St Valentine's Day, and today, love is in the air. Cheesy, clichéd, corny love, it seems, the kind that makes you trip in slow-motion into the arms of the object of your affections, reach your loved one just in time for a perfect confession, get to do all the things you love with that person, find that ridiculous teddy bear or gift that'll turn you and your significant other into pure mush around each other, and so on.

But of course, there's no need to always stick to the traditional and obvious. So if that confession which you didn't plan on ends up being heard by someone you can't stand, or if you get momentary romantic feelings from someone sneaking into your room at midnight to hide, or maybe something more upsetting such as your confessions being interrupted constantly, well, here's to new traditions!]

[[Romantic cliches event! No need to stick to CLAMP themes, pick your favorite trope and roll with it.]]

[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. ]

[It’s another beautiful winter day in Miracle Country, and starts out a normal enough new day in the new year… it’s snowy and crisp. Great for snuggling up and keeping cozy, or walking around outside and enjoying the scenery.

Of course, it’ll be easy enough to tell that something is going on. Maybe you won’t notice it right away. But as soon as you see a friend or a loved one – reach out to hug them or to kiss them, to greet them in some kind of way, as simple as a brush of your hand – you’re stopped. There’s a literal physical barrier between you and everyone else. Maybe you think it’s a magical force, but if you look closely, it’ll be clear to see it’s a little pane of glass between you and the other person.



And no matter how hard you try, it won’t break.

Well, that’s a little upsetting, isn’t it? Maybe your strong magic can do something, or your physical strength as a warrior. But no, no matter what you do – it just won’t break. So you’ll have to wait for the magic to pass. Hopefully that isn’t too difficult for you. It shouldn’t be too bad – so long as you don’t get hurt for some reason, or you suddenly feel sick. It might not be a bad thing that happens, either – maybe you just can’t resist holding someone’s hand or you just need some warmth to get through the afternoon. As you know all sorts of strange things can happen at any time… ]

[With his last planned event not going as well as expected, and the time of the year asking for a celebration of some sort, Lucifer's set out to hold a successful party this time. Changing his approach entirely, he's booked the ballroom by the garden islands for the night, rather than use the bar.

Knowing him, you might expect something scandalous and inappropriate; instead, it only looks expensive. The place is fully decorated in reds, with small round tables full of food and drinks, and the usual space to dance. It doesn't even look too different from parties that were held there before... save maybe for the presence of Lucifer himself, on one end of the room by the piano he had brought over from the bar. Even the fact that glasses, plates, and other things have a wing motif isn't too out of place there.

He'll have sent out invitations conveniently forgetting to mention who was organizing the whole thing, and noting it's a formal party so people need to wear their best clothes. Certain people might even find that bit's been underlined several times. But of course, if anyone failed to comply with that part, Miracle Country can always help with it, and give them a proper outfit once they're there.

By the late evening, there'll also be a note in the journals, reminding people to not miss the event... And then another one. And another one. Remember how journals don't like it when people don't pay attention to them? Or try to hide them? Enjoy the flashing book following you around, then. It might be easier to simply give in and go, even if it's for a short while...]

[The cold, snowy days continue, and things have been peaceful enough. Then, a sound like glass shattering... It starts. Little light shards, that sparkle around people briefly before being absorbed into their eyes. Throughout the day, it spreads out, catching new victims here and there. For a while, it's like a mirror reflecting their worst selves is at work, bringing out the most petty, irritable, unreasonable sides of people. Or is it that they're seeing others in this same light? Or both?

Every minor annoyance one might ever had won't seem so minor anymore. Little forgotten arguments, those irritating habits of others, any mistake from the past, it's all coming back now. How did you ever get past these things? It's time to bring them back up, to throw them in people's faces, to demand some compensation for them. And if they're confused, if they're denying being so irritating and obnoxious, or having lied to you once, or saying it's not such a big deal? Well, it feels like a great time to start a fight.

From louder vocal arguments to full-on battles if provoked enough, common sense and understanding seem to have no room to exist today. So what if you want to duel someone because they leave their clothes on the floor? Or if you want to take over all the houses because it's unfair others have more space than you? You've suddenly realized it's best to end a friendship of years because they lightly teased you once? More power to you.

Of course, the shards won't be there forever, and once they've disappeared, so will their effect on people... Surely you can patch things up with everyone, right? As long as they don't get the shards next...]

[[Shattered Sight event! Info & questions be here.]]