+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[Today, all around Kiseki, you will find small posters and pamphlets scattered around, with the words Come to the Miracle Country Sports Center written in big, all-caps letters, with some encouraging facts written under it (such as "what's better than a big pool in the summer", "train to your heart's content", "try out new sports and relax at the pool" and in some of them "and if you get real lucky, you might get to play with a polar bear dog" because come on, if that doesn't make you want to come and visit, then nothing will).

In other words, Bucky has noticed there's only the same people frequenting the sports center and frankly, with such a great facility to use? It's a damn shame more people aren't coming there. This is his answer to the problem-- and only for today, to encourage you further, the sports center will also have a table by the pool, full of food and drink graciously donated to the cause, so if sports or swimming aren't your thing, maybe free food is.

So come one, come all, try out things like archery, tennis, acrobatics (there's a whole course set for that), or just come relax by the pool! And don't forget playing with the mentioned polar bear dog... or at least be careful if you're trying anything involving throwing balls.]

( It's tiny mingle time! If you want to approach Bucky himself, he'll be here in the comments for you to poke - otherwise, feel free to make your own top levels and thread among yourselves! )

[Miracle Country has once again changed, the entire island shifting overnight into an archipelago. There’s a scattering of far-flung islands, but you’ll find yourself at the very center of it all – and it’s not just you there. Oh no – this is a world populated by dragons. You’ve found yourself in the Alpha Dragon’s nest. There are dragons that fly, some land dragons, and some dragons that primarily stay in the water – and they are everywhere. There are flocks of dragons everywhere you look. Large dragons, small dragons, nocturnal dragons, diurnal dragons, two-headed dragons, dragons the size of your palm, dragons that breathe fire, ice-breathing dragons, camouflaged dragons, feathered dragons, and baby dragons that just act silly.

What used to be the hotels is now a series of caves - you'll be able to find your old rooms in there, although they're a bit more basic now - no such thing as electronics available (not that you'd need them with nowhere to plug them in), no kitchens, but everything else remains. Clothes, beds, even a small bathroom. The maze-like nature of the caves means the rooms might be a little harder to find this time around, and you could end up choosing to just crash with someone else if it gets too late. They're cold, as well, being inside a giant ice-fortress, so find ways to keep the place warm!

There are also other sorts of rooms, of course, some empty and some with supplies like weapons or staple food, some with a few seats and cushions where you can gather around, build a fire, and risk having a flock of dragons come chill with you a little less, if it happens to bother you. The caves are all rather cold and dark for the most part, and within them are many maze-like turns and corners and passageways, so it’s easy to get lost, especially since many of the caves open up to strange and new locations. Plenty of things to explore – and plenty of ways to be separated from others.

And at the very center of it all is a large structure of ice, that juts up and forms into the shape of a large, winged egg. Within this egg is the dragons’ nest – one corner of this structure has a large sakura tree that the dragons love to sleep in or fly around. At the other end is the Alpha Dragon itself – the largest dragon in creation, white and pink and spending most of its time sleeping. And at the very center of a large expanse of water is a little island with the only source of fresh water – a reservoir. Surrounded by saltwater for miles around, the dragons have no trouble reaching it – but you might.

The best way to travel is by dragons, of course. But for those of you who can’t fly too well, walking isn’t really an option. But don’t worry, there are a series of bridges that fall and crumble and rotate around. You’ll never walk the same bridge twice. They’re reliable enough, so long as they don’t start to move while you’re on them. If you don’t trust the bridges, there’s always the option of climbing through the maze-like caves… but try not to get lost.

Why are the dragons approaching you now? They need your help. The Alpha Dragon is sick – and he’s the reason all the other dragons are here and safe.

You’re here one reason: to help the dragons. There are smaller dragons, but also larger dragons, but don’t worry they’re not as scary as they look. In fact, it’s possible to tame or bond with them. Of course, that’s based on how well you get along with animals, mystical or otherwise, in general – not great with pets? Probably not going to be too great with dragons, either.


((Have a dragons event! Further info & FAQ can be found HERE))

[If you've gone to school today, either as a student, teacher or visitor, it's likely you've run into David, who's requested a little help. The idea is simple: keep Snow occupied for a while, so she won't come out of the building or look outside until he's finished with a few things.]

[By midday, it'll be clear what it was. The tables outside of the school have all been set as if for a fancy kind of picnic, with pretty tableclothes and all sorts of flowers picked from the forest and gardens. And, yes, food, in the form of a large picnic basket and other bags with snacks and other things for anyone who'd like to join in.]

[As to why, well, Snow was almost all on her own and upset for far too long, and it's about time she gets pampered a little.]

[[Tiny mingle! David will be HERE but feel free to thread among yourselves and abuse the post as needed o/]]

[Time to deal with Kiseki's menacing creatures again! Except this time, they might not be so menacing. The lake and river are a little more lively than usual, as the fish population in them has increased overnight. Some of them aren't even freshwater fish, so what are they doing there? Not waiting to attack anybody, no.

All along the park and the river banks, there are fishing rods and other tools set up, as well as anything you'd need to get a fire going, and grill your food... You get the point, I'm sure. Whether you want to have an outdoors lunch of freshly caught fish, or wish to stock up on them for later, or even want to try and keep one of them as a pet, it's clear today is meant to be spent by the water. Just in case, the Usyagi will notify anyone who's missing out on the fish gutting fun, so no worries there.

To the delight of certain questionable residents, there's a bonus brought by the presence of the fish... Most of Kiseki's roaming stray cats will be drawn to the river and lake, either to catch their own meal or to steal some from the people around. So if you're not much of a fishing person, or can't cook at all, you could still hang out with them.]

P'kyuu?

[This is the image that will greet you if you answer the journal's calling about a new entry tonight. Ao has found Shinah's journal, and she's evidently considered as close enough to Shinah himself to be allowed to use it... Which means she managed to turn the video function on while nibbling on it.]

[Behind Ao's curious face, however, there's some commotion in Yona's room. Apparently Shinah & co. are caught up in some kind of argument, or maybe just being ridiculous, or, quite possibly, both. Shinah himself, dressed in fluffy moon-patterned pyjamas, is trying to get outside through a window, while Yona holds to his arm and refuses to allow such a thing. The others, some also with sleeping clothes on, are engaged in an enthusiastic discussion the journal can't easily catch...

Perhaps it'd be easier to simply walk by the open hotel room, and try to overhear what they're all saying.]

[[Open log! Interact with Yona and her dragons, or do your own thing! And yes, you can reply to Ao on the journal too, and have the most ridiculous thread. The HHB be here: Yona | Shinah | Zeno | Jaeha | Kija ]]

[Something strange is happening in Miracle Country. For the next week… strange creatures and monsters will begin to appear all over the islands. They seem to have originally started in the forest, but the barriers have dropped, and the creatures are exploring wherever they can find. These creatures come in a variety of different forms and will attack indiscriminately. But they seem to be divided into two types: lunar powers and solar powers.

How convenient, then, that you seem to have gone through a transformation, too. Suddenly, you possess powers based on the sun or the moon. You’ve been granted with brand new powers, either defensive-based or offensive-based. You might have any power you can imagine up, or something based off what suits your personality best. To mark the transformation, you’ll find yourself wearing an outfit that reflects your new powers, or you’ll be marked with an earring or a necklace or some sort to indicate whether you’re sun or moon.

But be warned, you’re stronger against the opposite of your own power: if you have solar powers, you’re better off fighting a lunar monster, and vice versa. It’s possible to fight your own type, but it’s difficult. Don’t worry, though. Sometimes the monsters fight out in the open, where you can get away easily and search for help, or take them down with minimal effort. The stronger creatures, though, the stronger monsters who seem to appear more and more often as the week progresses, they’ll only appear to you if you make a wrong step into a kekkai, a magical barrier set up to keep you and the monster in. Sound scary? Don’t be too worried – the kekkai going up is something like a resounding cry to the other powers that might be nearby. If you stumble into a sun kekkai, your friends with their own moon powers will feel it calling to them, and come to assist you.

As time goes on, it’ll be clear that the two sides are responding to each other. You’re drawn to the opposite type. There’s a mutual calling, a pulling and a drawing between one another. A lunar power will always feel drawn to a solar power. A solar power will always feel drawn to a lunar power. Working together makes you stronger. But it will also drain you faster – even if it’s someone you know and care about, being too close to them for too long might make you start to feel uncomfortable, drained and ill, or even unsettled.

It’s best to stay strong. And you will start to feel depleted. The best way to do that is to walk under your own power source: solar powers will always feel stronger during the day and lunar powers will always feel stronger during the night. Being under direct sunlight and moonlight will recharge you, so it’s best not to stay inside. Especially because not even the hotels are safe. It’s rare, but kekkais have been known to catch you and others even in the hotel. The creatures will become more bold as the week progresses, seeming to seek you out. Are you feeling tired? They’ll know and they’ll exploit your weakness.

Better to stay on guard, stay strong, and stay together no matter where you are.]

[A man with a green ponytail here is very bothered by being stalked by a book, though he can only be seen from behind.] I've seen many things in my life, but that's definitely a first. Somebody, please tell me that I am dreaming. I'm not seeing that right, am I? What's up with that?

[A few steps later, he sighs.] Okay, this has gone far enough now.

[He turns around, his face now visible.]

Alright, I know I'm extraordinarily beautiful, but that is no reason to follow me around like that. I don't appreciate being pursued, okay? Try another tactic.

[Then, in a smaller voice, as if he is talking to himself.] I can't believe I am saying that to a book.

[A few steps later, Jaeha becomes a bit more frustrated, even if it is not exactly visible on his face.] Hey, you still haven't stopped it. Just what kind of book is that?

[He jumps, leaping right into the sky.]

Hehe, I told you, I don't like being followed around! Give up! [... though he'll learn his escape won't be too successful.]

[The rain from the last few days is finally starting to clear out – and a good thing, too, because it’s April 1st! As is tradition with Miracle Country, the world wants to help celebrate this important birthday – both Sakura and Syaoran’s, as well as missing friends – so what’s that in the sky?

As the clouds clear out, it’ll become clear that there are… presents hanging around, quite literally.

There are presents hanging mid-air and all around today, with little tags attached with “catch me” and “gift me” or “for Sakura-hime”, as these presents are meant for her. Inside, there are replicas of all of both Sakura’s precious memories – you might find a stuffed animal shaped like Mokona, or plushes of puppies or kitties, or perhaps something more simple like a hairpin from one of the worlds she visited. There’s the possibility of finding an old lantern, kitty memorabilia, toy replicas of racing dragonflys, or flower crowns. There’s a little bit of everything, and some generic items, too: hair decorations, flower bouquets, pretty decorative boxes, jewelry, or new shawls and scarves – all with specific themes from the worlds they come from.

They’re everywhere today! Hanging in the air (and there are plenty of hot air balloons around in order to guide along and retrieve them), as well as scattered around the park, near the lake, along the bridges leading to the other islands, as well as at the other islands themselves. The presents might even move around, following you along to try to encourage you to catch them and give them to Sakura – or you can keep them for yourself, or gift them to someone else. They might knock against your head if you prove to be particularly stubborn, then float away before you can make a proper grab for them.]


[ooc: Open mingle for everyone - and obviously backdated to April 1st. Sakura will have a top comment for those who'd like to interact with her specifically. Otherwise, go wild and have fun!]

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! ]

[Good day, Kisekians! We hope you weren't planning to go outside too much today, because after a very cloudy day yesterday, today will be raining almost non-stop. With most of the sakura washing away in this manner, it's a pretty scenario, even if it's very wet. What a better moment to take a break, and make good use of the common rooms? Watch a movie with your friends, catch up on your homework, complain about being stuck inside via journals...

Or, if you're the type to enjoy days like these, grab your umbrellas and head outside. Places like the zoo or amusement park won't be open, but the shopping district will run as usual, there's the other islands available... You could be brave enough to head to the gardens, but if you return to the hotels area and cover everything in mud, you could find yourself facing a very determined Usyagi who wants you to mop it up.]