jikan_rpg | January | Event: Trials and Trains

January | Event: Trials and Trains

Trials and Trains
↲ OOC Plotting
As the refugees settle in, they might begin to notice strange things happened around them. Even now, receiving a fortune from a temple or shrine will cause whatever is written to come true. Time surges grow more frequent, and soon, other supernatural effects start to appear. A young refugee couple walking down the street at night may start to radiate light from their chests when they hold hands. A male refugee begins to sparkle after being offered a free helping of extra meat from the cute waitress at his favorite restaurant. And the elderly refugee couple next door who bicker all the time find themselves plagued by mysterious horns growing out from the sides of their heads.

None of these effects seem to last very long, but they're distressing enough that soon, reports begin flooding in asking the NRL scientists for help. It seems they may not have fully explained just what circumstances the refugees have found themselves in.

What is Kizuna?

In response to the reports, the scientists at NRL put out a message over the network about a special emergency meeting all refugees must attend on the 15th. Once everyone is gathered in the auditorium, they proceed to explain the cause of these happenings: Kizuna, an experimental type of magic that was responsible both for saving Nippon, and for allowing everyone from other worlds to stay here.

"From what we've gathered, Kizuna is a type of bonding magic. It can create bonds between anything, and has been used by the Yokai for thousands of years in things like marriage ceremonies. Of course, it's never been used on this scale before. You see, the only reason you're all able to exist in this world and communicate with all of us... is because we created a bond between you and the country of Nippon itself."

It seems what they know about Kizuna is rather limited. It's not as though it was chosen by choice; there were no other options. As such, they'll be willing to answer any questions the refugees might have, offering as much information as they're able to give. They earnestly wish for the refugees to trust them, with many apologizing once more for any negative effects the Kizuna may have on them.

The scientists will be answering questions in Q&A format. All characters who attend will hear the questions and answers given. These questions will be asked and answered ICly, so please leave any OOC questions about the event itself to the OOC question thread.

For Science!!

With the explanations out of the way, characters will be given the choice to simply go about their day, or volunteer to stay behind for some testing. Now, the scientists have no desire to turn the refugees into their guinea pigs. Rather, they simply want to verify that Kizuna is the cause of all of this, and reassure everyone that it's entirely safe. And for that, they have a few experiments they wish to perform.

Characters are welcome to participate only in the tests they feel comfortable with. While most characters are unlikely to notice anything while bonds are being made, others may feel a tingle, a warmth in their chest, or simply a sense of being more at ease once a bond is made. The extent of these feelings is completely up to you!

Cuddle Science Nanjikan Research Lab, Tokyo
The first is the simplest, but arguably the funniest. Kizuna is theorized to grow stronger with physical contact. Likewise, multiple Kizuna bonds being located in a single place is thought to cause an overall increase in kizuna output. And to test this, characters will have to form cuddle piles in both an attempt to foster Kizuna growth, and increase its output. It's all very scientific -- characters will have small devices pinned to their sleeves to monitor Kizuna levels, as they flop around in piles of soft, warm pillows together! But just because it's for science doesn't mean it's not awkward. Go on. Give your neighbor a snuggle.

Next is a test for bondability, or rather, how easy it is for bonds to be created. Characters will hold speed-dating style introductions with one another, as well as with control-subjects who haven't created any Kizuna bonds. Without making physical contact, characters must introduce themselves, and then proceed to exchange compliments with one another back and forth. They will be encouraged to try and find a commonality between each other in the hopes of fostering a small bond. Of course, should they decide to fling insults instead, no bonds will be created... er, unless they're into that.

The last test is a bit more vague. Characters will be told the test is related to magic resistance, a theoretical property of Kizuna. They will be given two cookies to eat. One cookie is completely normal, while the second cookie contains a minor spell that will cause the character's hair to temporarily change color. However, in reality -- they're both completely ordinary cookies. The real test is for something far more dangerous: the theory that Kizuna can manipulate reality. Will your character fall for it? Unless they truly believe the cookie is magic, nothing will happen. But if they do, and their hair changes color, the scientists will look grave before explaining the actual test, and then excusing themselves to go compile the data.

Anyone who participates in all three experiments will be rewarded with a small amount of money that they're free to spend on whatever they'd like, and will also be offered the opportunity to come back once a week for continued testing. All subsequent experiments will be paid. It's not enough to make a living, but for those who just want some extra spending money, you can't go wrong.

Party Train

Before anyone can leave, the scientists have one more gift: an unlimited rail pass. Trains and trolleys are the most common forms of automotive transportation in Nippon, and while they can see the appeal in having most refugees stay in Tokyo, they want to be sure everyone knows they're free to travel as they please. For all that it may be temporary, Nippon was their new home. And besides, surely it would be best for them to enjoy their time here as much as possible! The less time spent agonizing over the fate of their worlds, the better.

Loop Line Lag Nihonbashi, Tokyo
For those wanting to travel around Tokyo itself, it might take a little practice to figure out where the different lines intersect and transfer. But by far, the line they're sure to ride the most is the Loop Line that circles Tokyo. Once on this line, you'll be connected to every district of the city -- forever, unless you tranfer off of it. As the name implies, the Loop Line is a single circular track, not connected to any other lines. While plans have been made to connect it outward, with the flow of time only now starting to move, it's no wonder that plans for new infrastructre have suffered the most.

But for those who are unfortunate enough to board the last train on friday night unknowingly, they'll find that the train never arrives at a destination. Looking outside, they'll see the same cityscape looped every time they pass through a tunnel, the outside world trapped in an endless dusk. While the world may have been freed, small time loops such as this still pop up every now and again. But it seems commuters are used to this. While many people in Nippon are understandably wary of the lingering time loops, some have chosen to embrace them. Friday Night Loop Lines become wild parties that last well into the night, with free food, drinks, and nonstop music. With individual groups responsible for the quick set-up of each car, there's a wide variety of unique themes to choose from. One car is a masquerade, with masks provided upon entrance and a wide selection of ridiculous costumes. Another, themed around a new type of music gaining popularity at home and abroad. Another appears to just be a cat cafe-- how did they sneak these on the train?? New themes pop up every week, so go wild!

It won't be until the trains begins running again at 6 am that the train seems to catch up with the present time. After going through one more tunnel, it will abruptly become day and stop at the next station, and the party goers pack up to leave before the rush of weekend commuters.

Pleasure Ride Nihonbashi, Tokyo
But not everyone is here just to party. In the back two cars of the train, things seem to be quieter. It would be easy to assume this is where actual commuters who simply missed the previous train go to rest for the night, but no. The moment the door to the train car is opened, characters will be struck by the powerful aroma of incense. All around the car, the lights have been covered by colorful shades, flooding the entire car with a dim, amber-colored glow. Sitting by the door is an older woman in an elaborate kimono, her obi tied in the front, with a voice that's almost intoxicatingly sweet: "Won't you stay awhile?"

This isn't any ordinary incense. It's aphrodisial incense brought in from Yoshiwara, and was specifically crafted to draw in customers from the street and entice them to stay. While the first train seems to be rather tame, full of passengers lounging and openly flirting with staff and fellow passengers alike, the second train is far more risque. The lights are almost completely turned off, and between the darkness outside and the rumbling sound of the train running along the tracks, there's an illusion of privacy, with the atmosphere growing hotter and heavier as the night goes on-- even with everyone staying more or less fully clothed. Those looking for a little heavy petting or more need look no further. After all, what happens on the Loop Line stays on the Loop Line.

Welcome to Yokohama

Outside of the Loop Lines, refugees will now be able to easily travel to the nearby city of Yokohama. On their way there, they might notice the landscape is fairly dramatic. As the train leaves the city limits, looking out into the horizon reveals that much of Kanto seems to be fairly barren outside the cities, with large and unfamiliar bodies of water making it seem as if the train is passing over the ocean itself at times. But things seem to even out once they reach the city. And there's far more things of interest to be found in Yokohama proper!

Sightseeing Slights Kannai, Yokohama
Once the trains come to a stop, passengers will disembark at Kannai Station, located in the heart of Yokohama. With word of the refugees spreading throughout Nippon, those who chose to head straight to Yokohama will be met with a small welcoming committee, who offer them tours and maps to introduce them to the city properly.

One of these tours is a tandem steam-cycle tour. Refugees will be paired up in groups of two and rented out a two-seated steam-cycle. Unlike a traditional tandem bike, both passengers must work together to pilot it! And "pilot" is the right term to use here. Upon reaching a certain speed and pulling a few levers, a pair of wings will extend from the wheels as the bottom release a large amount of steam, causing the steam-cycle to become airborne. Thankfully, there's a particular street lined with trees to help guide them through the sky safely! Or at least, it'd be safer if it wasn't winter, and the trees hadn't become large spiky obstacles. At least they won't be responsible for damages if they crash.

Yokai Watch Zhongguo Town, Yokohama
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Yokohama, Zhongguo Town is named for the neighboring country of Zhongguo, and is home to the largest number of human foreigners living in Nippon. While there are a number of streets representing cultures from other nations, by far the largest representation comes from Zhongguo itself, reflected in the district's unique architecture.

Because of this, it's not uncommon to see a wide variety of Yokai living in and around Zhongguo Town as well. For many refugees, this may be their first time seeing them, as they very rarely venture as far as Tokyo! Unlike humans, Yokai are a very diverse group of people, ranging from the those who appear more beast-like to those who are seemingly indistinguishable from humans. They walk on two legs, speak the language of Nippon, and pay taxes just like everyone else!

But for the refugees, they might notice something odd. Whenever they pass by a Yokai, they'll suddenly find themselves stared at, and potentially even questioned as to who they are and where they came from. While most of these questions are asked with polite curiosity (and perhaps a bit of confusion when they explain their status as offworlders), Oni Yokai will become very aggressive and may even attack refugees in small groups. While they won't explain this aggression, piecing together the insults they fling seems to imply they think the refugee has insulted their culture somehow.

If there isn't a friend nearby strong enough to help, calling out will eventually alert one of the many Samurai guards who patrol the city, causing the Oni to flee.

Scammed Port Market, Yokohama
By far, the one place tourists just can't skip when visiting Yokohama is the Port Market. A large shopping arcade stretched across multiple blocks and streets lining the port area, the Port Market is well-known for its delicious food, as well as its rare and unusual merchandise. Although the country is currently isolated due to dangerous time surges in the ocean, that wasn't always the case, so many of the wares that can be bought here are clearly not from Nippon. They range from exotic snacks to fairly dangerous-looking weapons. Are some of these even legal? But most notably, Yokohama is the only city where shops regularly sell coffee, due to the limited supply imported prior to the appearance if time surges! Better stock up before heading back to Tokyo.

Unfortunately, the Port Market is also known for something else: pickpockets. Even if one manages to catch the thief in the act, so long as they can run faster, they can pawn off their stolen goods seemingly in an instant. After which, the pawn shop will only offer it back for a price. It's so obviously a scam, but given that all security in the market is run by the very same organization backing up the scammers, there isn't too much that can be done.

But don't worry! The Market is very forgiving. They'll happily forget the payment in exchange for a few hours of work. It could be working one of the shops, spending an evening playing host to some rich old ladies, or even playing the role of the one who mugged them in the first place. Just make sure not to get on their bad side. Because the Port Market is both the name of the location, and the name of the shady organization that runs it. And they happen to be among one of the largest criminal empires in Nippon. Violence will be met with violence, and only forgiven with increasingly horrible or even illegal work. Some folks may feel right at home here, while others would be better off staying away after dark.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's first event! Please direct any questions to the Question thread in the OOC plotting post! Any questions involving Kizuna can be included there as well, and I'll try to incorporate any clarifications into the Kizuna page and/or FAQ as needed!

• Please be sure to read the page on Kizuna as well as the Kizuna section on the FAQ! As a reminder, you're free to utilize Kizuna effects whenever you want, all month long!

• As this event is intended to introduce both a key concept and a key setting, it might feel a little disjointed. Future events will be more cohesive!

• Remember kids: Murder is a crime. If your characters chooses to kill the Oni in the Yokohama prompt, they better have the means of destroying the evidence. The Oni themselves will not be looking to kill anyone, just rough them up.

• Characters may also choose to work with the Port Market of their own volition, if they'd like to enter the criminal world of Nippon. Like all jobs, you do not need to sign up, and are free to get creative with what they do while employed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hey, Ranpo, I heard you were holding out for a hero?

Well, a hero does indeed appear!! And though she may not be larger than life, Ochako is strong and she is fast indeed. Not the best, at least of her blass of serious bruisers, but she's no dang pushover. With a combination of her quirk and the martial arts she learned from Gunhead, she rushes down the alleyway and leaps, cracking one of the Oni that was about to go in for a kick on Ranpo with a jump kick of her own.

She's not costumed this time around, having finally bought some street clothes with the money she got from those experiments (o-one pair...was all she could afford...), but Ochako can still fight like it's nobody's business. She releases her quirk as the Oni falls backwards, dizzy and nursing a now bloody now, then goes to stand before Ranpo protectively. She may be small, but the ferocious look in her eye could turn people to stone alone. This is what she was meant to do - save people.]

S-Sorry, I only just heard fighting down the alleyway. Are you okay, Ranpo-san?! Did they hurt you?

[Ahh, right on time!]

[Ranpo flashes a grin as Ochako stands over him, taking note of how she's fighting. It's not entirely unexpected -- her ability didn't exactly seem combat oriented, and her insistence before about how dangerous it could be makes him think she doesn't typically use it on others like that. Probably because dropping people from high places tends to just be fatal.]

I'm okay now that you're here! Ah, on your right--

[--he says, predicting one of the other oni was about to go for a punch to her right side. They're not giving up without a fight, it seems.]

[Correct, her quirk can be deadly if used improperly. It's why Ochako tends to use it either on herself or on inanimate objects - to use them as weapons or projectiles against villains. In fact, her eyes are already scanning the alley for things she could possibly use to her advantage. Anything, literally anything that's not nailed down...can become a weapon.

But, then again, he body itself is a weapon. Ochako knows how to fight without her quirk. Gunhead taught her martial arts, and she's been keeping up with them ever since, mastering new styles and techniques, and mixing them together with her quirk to give her lengthier jumps and a powerful dropkick from above. And speaking of kicks--]

HAH! [Not a split second too soon, Ochako focuses her weight to one leg and jerks the other up onto her right side, catching the Oni that was taking a swing at her hard in the chest.] Thanks...but these guys are sloppy. They're muggers, they don't really know how to fight. But in this space I'm limited to how much I can move...what's close by? Items, I mean. Something heavy.

I don't know if I'd call them muggers, but... hmm, that barrel behind us should do!

[Mysterious barrel sitting in an alley behind a seafood restaurant? Gee, wonder what it could be filled with!]

[(It's rotten fish, and will explode everywhere if it's thrown. Sure, it's cold enough outside that it won't smell that bad, but it's still nasty. Which is why Ranpo follows with--)]

Ah, but you should consider making us lighter as soon as you throw it.

[Which is why Ranpo will hold out his hand, too. The oni seem a bit apprehensive, not knowing what the plan here is, but they haven't turned to flee just yet.]

[Barrel? Ohoho, that will do very nicely. And actually, if it catches the attention of a few hungry pigeons roosting on the eaves...heh. That's devious, but no real harm in some fowl play. And if she does float them up after, she and easily get them to safety on a rooftop - no problem.]

On it!! [Sorry, Ranpo, but instead of taking your hand, Ochako merely smacks your shoulder with one palm, the raised, slightly pinkish pads on her fingertips glowing, and he's suddenly beginning to waft up into the air. A nice distraction, because the Oni are certainly following him as he goes up, and not paying much mind to Ochako as she weave her way to the barrel, grabs it with both hands - activating her quirk again - and deadlifts it over her head with no issue.]

TIME TO FACE...NEPTUNE'S WRATH!! [And, with a powerful toss, Ochako yeets that barrel at the Oni, which - since they weren't prepared to duck or dodge, smashes into them and indeed bursts open, spilling its icky contents all over them. Ochako is quick to bend at the knees, gripping her hands together, and kicks up and off the ground, lifting up to meet Ranpo in the air.] It's dinner time for the birds!

[Yeah those...th-those pigeons have most definitely zeroed in on the smell of free food, and are laser-eyesing the drenched Oni. This is not going to go well for them...]

[Meanwhile Ranpo just laughs as he's floated away -- this is always going to be fun. He pulls his legs up as the Oni chase after him, none of them prepared for what's coming. Sure enough, the fish explode all over them, and the pigeons begin to swarm.]

[But... hm. That's odd. The Oni practically shriek in terror as the pigeons descend, scrambling wildly to get away. Come to think of it, they do look a little spooky, but--]

[Suddenly]

[An ominous rattling sound akin to that of a rattlesnake begins to fill the alley, as the "pigeons" begin to eat. And as they eat, they unhinge their jaws and swallow entire fish whole.]

[What the fuck.]

...well, that's... different.

[What the fuck.]

[WHAT THE FUCK.]

I do not see it.

[WHAT THE ABSOLUTE UNHOLY FFFFFFFFF--.]

I do not see it, I do not see it, I do not see it, I--

[Echoing her mantra to help herself calm down, Ochako turns white as a sheet and, scrambling to get to her friend, grabs his arm and directs their path up towards the roof of a building, where she will then then both drop onto. Ranpo is let down carefully, but Ochako loses the feeling in her legs because they are just...shaking. Shaking so bad and she looks on the verge of tears.

Or, wait...nope. A blackout. Swaying in place, Ochako makes it maybe two steps, muttering again--]

I-I...I...do nuh...n-n-not...see... [K.O.]

[At least she won't hit the ground?? Ranpo moves to catch her, but-- oh, he actually is in a little bit of pain here. The end result is he winds up being more of a landing pad for her when she passes out.]

[...]

[And whenever she decides to wake up, she'll be laying on the roof with Ranpo's coat folded up under her head, Ranpo sitting not to far away.]

[And now, the rattle pigeons are just casually hanging out all around them. At least they're just cooing like normal ones now??]

[It won't be too long - maybe just a few minutes - but Ochako will wake up, blinking the sun out of her eyes. What the--...oh. Oh jeez, did she actually pass out? Jeez, how embarrassing! Oh lord, and is Ranpo okay?! She jerks to attention suddenly, sitting up and gasping. Oh no, what if she lost consciousness and he fell before she got to him, o-or she let his hand go and he was still floating up, oh my god.

People can only go up so high before the air gets thin and they start to suffocate!! Shit!]

Ranp--!

Oh.

[Ochako smacks her hands to her mouth, seeing all the beady, red eyes of the rattlepigeons on her suddenly, and she goes stone-cold and stone-still. God, can this nightmare fucking end, please?]

Don't worry, they're only creepy while they eat.

[Don't mind actual Disney princess Ranpo Edogawa over here, sitting with a few of the pigeons just chillin' on his shoulder, his hand ruffling the feathers of another. Aside from the little tusks, they really do look like normal pigeons.]

But gee, I didn't think you'd actually pass out! Was it the smell? I would've thought you'd need a strong stomach to be a hero.

[Ochako jerks a bit, still eyeing the pigeons a bit nervously. Yeah, they look normal now, but she still remembers the absolute horror of watching one unhinge its jaw and swallow a whole ass fish whole. The mental image makes her stomach churn uncomfortably, and Ochako swallows hard, forcing down her gag reflex like she's trained - thank god for her quirk training, it's really come in handy.]

N-No, I...I-I can handle villains and body oddities, I c-can usually explain it as being a quirk p-people have... B-Blood doesn't bother me either - I deal with it a lot in my line of work. But. Oh. [She takes a deep breath in and out, slowly.] I'm really not good with things l-like monsters...a-a-and especially not ghosts. Things I...c-can't explain easily.

Or fight against.

Well, these guys are neither monsters nor ghosts, so they should be fine, right?

Besides, shouldn't you be worried about something else here?

[He's not going to give any indication what he's referring to here, but-- he was being beaten before she showed up.]

I...suppose...

[She's still not exactly trusting of the freaky ass birds, but if this is just biology for these creatures, then at least that is something she can explain. It's like a...very terrifying animal quirk. Hell, Principal Nezu was an animal with a quirk, even if he was a lab experiment at one time.... :(]

Eh, wor--oh!! Oh my--! Are you okay, Ranpo-san?! Did they hurt you at all?! Let me see - I took out the medical supplies in my hero costume's belt to have with me, and I know first aid. [Doot doot, doing to just pop open her purse real quick and pull out that mini first aid kit.]

Ah, so you remember.

[He'd sound less salty if he was in less pain. He brings a hand to his side, causing some of the pigeons to scatter. He's scratched up a bit, but thankfully there aren't too many scuffs or cuts with how covered he is. But bruises? Plenty of those.]

They got me pretty good in the ribs. It... kinda hurts to breathe? I haven't really checked anything else, but I think that's the worst of it.

[Oh, that...actually makes Ochako flinch a little bit, like she's being scolded. And, to be perfectly fair, she deserves to be scolded, so it's not like she has any place to argue. She lost focus, something she's notorious for, but something she simply cannot do in her line of work. Not during battle, and not during rescue. Not when the safety of others counts on it. She's a hero, she can't let things like this get to her, she's seen and fought way worse, he's right.

Muttering a quiet but swift apology, head hung low a bit, Ochako nods and listens to Ranpo's complaints. Ah, that sounds bad.]

They could be bruised, or maybe broken... May I? [She's asking permission if she can touch over the area of his chest, just to get a better diagnosis of how badly he may be hurt. She's quick to get back into her professional role.] I'm sadly not a healer, but I can get you to a hospital for proper treatment if you feel you need it, Ranpo-san. Is there anywhere else that hurts, or feels uncomfortable?

[He nods and lets her examine the area. It won't hurt if lightly touched, but anything more than a gentle press is going to earn her a wince.]

[But also--]

...well, my ass hurts from when they knocked me down, but I think I can handle that one myself.

[He's so classy.]

But I should get this checked out. I don't really want to have to put up with a potentially broken rib if I don't have to.

[WELP. If Ranpo can crack jokes like that, he's at least not in any serious danger, and the comment does get a tiny smile to appear on Ochako's face. She does have to touch a bit, and even press, apologizing and letting Ranpo know when she does it. It doesn't seem like a break, but there's really no way to tell by a cursory check up like this.]

Does it hurt to move? I can carry you. [Easily, in fact. Even though Ochako is far smaller than Ranpo is.]

[He doesn't doubt she can, given her ability and all. But he also knows he's not very heavy.]

I wouldn't be sitting here being a pigeon perch if I could move.

[For all that he's being a whiny baby rn, when he actually moves, the winces will make it more obvious that he is in a good amount of pain right now. Even the less serious injuries still hurt.]

[In all honestly, the relatively sassy, salty replies are nothing compared to the fire and brimstone that comes out of Bakugou's mouth sometimes. Ochako simply nods, then moves forward to carefully place a hand on Ranpo's shoulder, with all five fingers. He'll start to float off the ground a few inches, before Ochako scoops him up like the princess he is.]

Alright, then I'll carry you like this, is that alright? I'm sure we can spot a hospital or clinic from up here, too, or ask someone when we get down... Someone much nicer. For now, let me know if I'm hurting you when I hold you, alright?

...does hurting my pride count?

[DOES SHE HAVE TO HOLD HIM LIKE A PRINCESS of course she does.]

[Okay, this time Ochako actually does snicker and giggle a bit, but she's at least relatively polite about it. Ah, of course...people are usually not too excited about this sort of carrying, especially older people...and guys.]

I'm afraid I can't fix that, either. Please endure it until I find a place you can get looked at. [Another laugh, and she'll begin to approach the edge of the building with him, looking out to see if there's a sign or anything looking even remotely like a hospital or clinic.]

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