+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[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.]]

[Lately it’s been a couple of days to get closer to each other, to get to know others, make friends. Whether it’s by sitting in a pool of soup together or cooking chocolate for Valentine’s Day, Kiseki loves to have its residents bonding with each other. And with White Day starting… well, it’s not like there had to be a reason to make something happen, but it’s always nicer when that’s the case, isn’t it?

So today, everyone will wake up with white strings around their fingers. They are long, long enough that following them might take some time. Each string represents a bond, a friendship, and to people that have a lot of friends they might soon notice that having so many strings is… quite bothersome, to say the least. They might get tangled or stuck on something and of course it’s not possible to just cut them and be done with it: they are a physical representation of a bond, after all. But luckily, the Usyagi have a solution to your problem! Soon they’ll appear everywhere with little signs, telling people that the strings will go away if they find the person it connects to and proves their friendship. So gifts, a hug, nice words, hanging out, anything is fair game.]

[Replay of the white string of fate event in honor of white day. Haha, get it? Either way, have a mingle!]

[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!]

[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.]]

[Had fun being petty and insecure? Judging your loved ones' actions and confronting them over ridiculous claims? Making a fool of-- well, granted, perhaps it wasn't all that fun. Maybe it's time to be treated nicely, for once! What better way to do this than indulging everyone in a little comfort (since releasing the captives in this world or not disturbing their lives once in a while isn't an option, no, don't be silly)?

Whether you were a victim of the last little mishap or not, today you'll find things could be quite enjoyable. You'll find your beds extra comfy (is that a new comforter? Extra pillows? Nicer bed-sheets?), and realize a table with a nice, big breakfast is all set up and waiting for you. Are you not the type to enjoy indulging in meals? Maybe you'll find a big book that could interest you, instead. Or wake up to the sound of purring, and find a new pet (or visitor) there to spend the morning with you. Or a relaxing bubble bath will be waiting, all set for you. You could go down to the common rooms to find just that one movie you've always loved waiting there to be watched, and the usual seats ready with blankets to curl up in, and plenty of snacks to share with others. You could find that the cafeteria's stocked up on several of your favorite meals.

If you're more the type to enjoy the outdoors, the weather will be nice and comfortable despite the time of the year, and the paths you go through every day will seem prettier than usual, perfect to enjoy a walk with someone else, or at least enjoy your usual routines in a more cheerful way. You could get lucky - find an item you wanted to buy, find the peace of mind to finish that paperwork that's been nagging you in time. No tricks or catches this time, it's just a day to enjoy yourselves and relax.

... Not that you can't be a little paranoid, once you notice things are going so well. Afterall, who can trust this world at this point?]

[Ah, jealousy. Who hasn't felt jealous once in a while? If your answer is never, I'm so confident and secure, well, today's your lucky day. Or everyone else's unlucky days, however you'd like to see it. While people go around doing their usual thing, they'll occasionally feel jealous - it's that simple. It can range from small, little bursts of it to a more complicated situation.

Does it feel like your best friend is ignoring you? Or maybe you can't stand watching them talk to someone else? Are you suddenly convinced they're going to ditch you forever, and must clearly be showing this by deciding they won't stick by your side at all hours of the day, maybe even dared to act friendly to others?

Perhaps you're jealous other people are paying attention to them, rather than you. Or feel jealous about things others have, maybe driving you to more questionable methods of obtaining them for yourself. Perhaps you're feeling particularly possessive of your significant other, or upset thinking of all the times they obviously were flirting with that one person they usually interact with.

Maybe you're already usually a jealous person, and then you'll either notice nothing different, or become fully melodramatic and ridiculous at the smallest things. ... Or you're the poor bastard who isn't affected by any of this, and is tired of people making a scene at them. Well, before you start considering giving out sleeping pills or shaking your partner for a while out of sheer frustration, keep in mind that while the unjustified jealousy can easily come up for a couple of days ahead, it should wear off after a short while. It'll simply be a matter of putting up with it, and... maybe try to suggest no one challenges anyone else to a duel, or takes other extreme measures, until a few hours have passed.]

[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]

[Winter is... nearby! And Miracle Country is now shifting to reflect it. With a little extra this time. Snow will fall across the island, with occasional hailstorms now and then.

But of course, our residents won't be left to freeze. For maximum cozy points, today people will find that the hotels are temporarily gone, and the forests seem to have expanded to take over that area. Accessible through many ladders and interconnected through hanging bridges, large treehouses meant to accomodate everyone have been set up. You'll want to look around to find your own, as rooms don't exactly match: the tree houses are big, some meant to house several people in it (with only the usual mini-kitchens missing from them), while others will work the part of the common rooms such as the cafeteria and other underground locations, holding food supplies, blankets and clothes, or even the TVs and other items like books or electronics available.

You might not even notice this at first, however. Some will not be in one of these treehouses, and instead find themselves in smaller huts found across Miracle Country's islands, even on places such as the beach, deep in the forests, or outside the amusement park! Small and cozy, they can either work as more private housing, or simply be an option to take a short break in while walking around. Some of them will carry fitting items for the occasion - things like bags of marshmallows, chocolates, or even scarves and dry, fluffy socks for anyone who might've been caught up in the storm.

With everything looking so accomodating for the most part, it might come as a surprise if certain events happen during these days, given the chances of them happening seem to be a little higher than usual. Perhaps you'll be lucky and simply get to enjoy the changes as they are. ... If you're not the type to enjoy sharing a space with others too much, though, you'll have to learn to manage - the treehouses and huts will remain this way until Sunday 20th!]