jikan_rpg | February | Event: Boiling Love

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February | Event: Boiling Love

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As winter draws to a close, something unprecedented occurs in Tokyo: a snowstorm. Though it certainly got cold in the city, snowfall was still fairly rare. But while most might find the display pretty, following the Yoshiwara power outages at the refugee dorms earlier in the month, the scientists are concerned about a second, harsher outage. They can't have their refugees freezing to death!

And so, a message is sent out to all refugees: how would you all like a vacation?

A Boiling Wasteland

On the western edge of Kanto sits the city of Hakone. A popular resort town, Hakone is also the reason that a good chunk of Kanto is underwater. A violent time surge caused the area around Hakone to revert to the state it was thousands of years ago, when a volcanic eruption drastically altered the landscape. While no one was killed due to the unique manner in which the time surge manifested, once things finally calmed down, Hakone was effectively cut off from the rest of Nippon by a massive, boiling sea. To circumvent this, an elaborate system of cable cars was created to carry people and supplies across the dangerous volcanic water surrounding the city.

Naturally, the refugees will be using these cable cars to travel to Hakone. And they better be prepared for their week-long stay-- because it's a 5-hour trip. At least they'll have a nice view of Mt. Fuji?

Are We There Yet? Kanagawa Cable Car, Hakone
Each cable car can hold up to twenty people, but because this is a special occasion, refugees will be allowed to travel in groups of as many passengers as they'd like, be it twenty or just two. However, they'll be warned that magi-tech won't work on the cars due to a lack of sufficient ambient magic over the boiling lake. Ordinarily, this may not be a problem.

However, four hours into their trip across the lake, some refugees may notice they've seemingly slowed to a stop. Or rather, time has begun to flow so slowly that the last hour of their trip might very well take the rest of the week! And with no way of contacting the outside world, it might seem as though all hope is lost...

But there's an answer, of course. Upon comforting their fellow refugees, time starts to flow a little faster, as the kizuna magic produced by their bond counteracts the effect of the time surge. If they want to get to Hakone before check-in at the resort, they'll have to find ways of bonding with everyone on board. Hopefully all that practice last month pays off!

Pirate Ninjas!? Kanagawa Cable Car, Hakone
But time surges aren't the only things worth worrying about. Looking out the window, refugees might just catch a glance of what appears to be a group of people running along the narrow cables that the cars are traveling along. Dressed in thick white clothing, they nearly blend in with the steam rising out from the boiling lake below.

But they aren't workers. They're members of a rogue ninja clan of magic-wielding humans, known for robbing helpless passengers on the cable cars. And that's exactly what they're doing now. Who knows what kind of rare valuables people from other worlds could have brought with them?

The ninja prefer to attack in waves, starting with one to test the waters, before increasing in number if more man power is needed. Aside from a variety of daggers and spinning blades, they're also capable of limited teleportation, making them rather hard to hit. And even if you do land a blow-- be careful. Criminals though they may be, if they're knocked down into the boiling lake below, they'll suffer a rather agonizing death, with no means of rescue. Not even the ninja themselves will allow someone to fall into the waters if they can prevent it. It seems even criminals have a code.

(Please reply here if your character causes one of the rogues to fall into the water, as it will impact how they interact with refugees in the future!)

Hot Springs Episode

Once everyone arrives more or less in one piece, it's time to check-in at the Owakudani Hot Springs Resort. Built into the side of a mountain, the resort is known for its naturally enchanted springs, mud baths, and natural steam vents. Their every expense is paid for, including gourmet five-course meals and an open bar.

It seems the resort is owned by one of the family members of someone who works at the NRL, meaning refugees will also see the scientists taking full advantage and having a vacation of their own. Try not to give them a hard time over it... they need this, too.

Enchanted Bathwater Owakudani Hot Spring, Hakone
Naturally the biggest draw of a hot spring resort is the hot springs themselves! The inner buildings have a set of gender-segregated baths, each connected to their respective changing room. But the outdoor baths are far more interesting-- and all mixed, as well. Better hope you remembered your towel!

The baths vary in size and shape, with dozens of small pools placed here and there up along the hillside. But while the lower pools are simple springs, the higher pools are naturally enchanted, with signs explaining the various health benefits and effects of each spring.

The most popular among tourists is the monkey spring, so named for the monkeys who frequently bathe alongside tourists. The monkeys themselves are friendly, though have a tendency to steal towels. But that's not the only thing about the spring. Also known as the speak-no-evil spring, people will feel compelled to reveal truths about themselves, and will become unable to lie. This effect lingers even after leaving for up to six hours.

Another is the so-called fountain of youth, which causes anyone who sits in the water to spontaneously de-age. Unlike the others, this one is considered less natural because it's caused by a time surge that settled over the water. Bathers will retain just enough of their present memories to avoid a panic over where they are, and the effects wear off as soon as they step out of the pool. Exactly how far back they go seems to be random, and for that reason, the sign up front warns bathers to enter at their own risk.

The last spring is also a popular one, though for very particular reasons. The rocky edges of the pool bend and twist along the hillside, creating small cave-like indents where shy folks or even a couple could easily bathe with some privacy. Known as the spring of rejuvenation, the water has powerful healing properties, filling the bodies of bathers with ambient magic drawn up from beneath the earth's surface. But while ordinary people will see this as a healing spring, that won't be the case for the refugees. While it'll still heal wounds and illnesses, it'll also cause the kizuna flowing through them to increase tenfold, resulting in the manifestation of severe kizuna side effects. This effect will linger up to a full 24 hours after bathing, and the side effects may pause or resume at any time during this period.

Titillating Tentacles Owakudani Summit, Hakone
For those looking for something a little more thrilling, there's a special spring on the top of the mountain, just a short walk north of the outdoor springs. The air is humid and constantly filled with steam from nearby steam vents, making the walk an oddly pleasant one, despite the cold weather. Upon reaching the top and finding the spring, they'll be met with an odd sign, that appears to be have recently damaged. All that remains is a warning -- "Swim at your own risk".

Taking a look at the spring, there's an entrance to a cave deep below the surface, where the spring water bubbles out. Perhaps the sign was simply a warning about the risk of drowning? In any case, the water carries an oddly pleasant smell, and causes anyone who relaxes into it to feel warm tingles drawing over their skin. But unfortunately, this water isn't enchanted.

The moment someone climbs in, the creature living inside the cave coils out its translucent tentacles. It's a siren jelly, a rare aquatic jellyfish that can only be found in areas with geothermal activity. Typically harmless, they have a tendency to wrap their tentacles around anything in their territory, to deem whether or not it's a threat. If the tentacles are left alone long enough, it'll eventually pull back. But if it's injured, it may grow more violent, giving out a song-like call as it probes deeply and implants a toxin that just so happens to cause wild levels of arousal in most living creatures.

Probably should have gone back to ask about the sign, huh.

A City of Steam and Metal

Just down the mountain from the resort is the city of Hakone proper. Much like Tokyo, it too has been hit by an usual snowstorm this month. But unlike Tokyo, the energy powering the city is the very steam that bubbles naturally under the surface, meaning it has some of the most stable energy in all of Nippon. Most of the people who live here only do so because of the very specific work that can be found here, due to the abundant steam and rich mineral deposits. Anyone else is likely just a tourist, like them.

There isn't too much to see, but the people there seem very excited to have tourists come see them.

Get In The Robot, Shinji Tokyo-3 Steam and Robot Facility, Hakone
One of the more interesting things to see in Hakone is the Tokyo-3 Steam and Robot facility, where new steam-powered engines are being created alongside magi-tech with the hopes of developing a type of hybrid engine. It seems the technology itself isn't new, and was discovered after a fleet of mysterious robot-like machines were unearthed by a time surge. Very little is known about their history, but the resort would have had no small number of flyers advertising their exhibition to the public.

And it's no secret why: because the robots can be piloted by anyone. And two robots have been specially configured to perform in an obstacle course, that anyone can volunteer to try out!

Using an assortment of gears and levers, the one piloting it must figure out how to make the robots move the way they want them to in order to complete the course first. It's... not very intuitive due to the sheer complexity of their design and movement. The engineers believe they might have been buried as failed prototypes.

Go on, flop around an obstacle with your friend on the least graceful robot every created.

Legend of Doggo Hakone, Kanto
Naturally, humans aren't the only ones who call Hakone home. Upon browsing the shops, the refugees will meet a young Inu Yokai blacksmith, who seems very excited to see so many young visitors in the city. If they look capable, he'll ask if they can do him a favor. Given all the volcanic activity in the region, it should come as no surprise that there are many interesting mineral deposits to be found. However, the Inu says his mine is currently blocked by a large creature called a dodongo -- a two-legged fire breathing lizard, standing as tall as the average man. He asks that the refugees slay the lizard, and bring back the carcass so he can make armor out of its plated flesh. In return, he'll offer to make custom armor of their choice, be it a simple shield, helmet, chest plate, or... codpiece. You know, if that's really what they want.

Given the reason he wants it, it should come as no surprise that the dodongo's skin is virtually impenetrable. While there are means of working with the skin once it's died, while living, the only weak spot it has is via the mouth, which only opens when it's eating or shooting fire. There's a reason he hasn't attempted to slay it himself! And given the long travel time, the cost of hiring a Samurai is more than he can afford.

Dodongos are violent, and quick to anger. They shoot flames at anything that moves, and are known to feed on humans. But that's not all: they're also fond of keeping "hoards" -- gathering food in large quantities before eating it all at once. Which means anyone else who happens to walk past the mine unaware may find themselves being held "prisoner" by a giant lizard that refuses to let them leave the mine. If they're lucky, it won't cook them before someone can show up for a rescue.

Is the wild life in this world always so dangerous? If asked, the Inu will only laugh and say it comes with the territory of living near Mt. Fuji.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's ~~obligatory hot springs episode~~ February event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• Characters may choose to remain in Tokyo during the snowstorm, but if they want to come to Hakone, they must be there the entire week.

• Please reply here if your character causes one of the rogues to fall into the water, as it will impact how they interact with refugees in the future!

• You may get creative with whatever the additional unmentioned enchanted pools do, but all their effects will be minor and will not linger once you leave the water (e.g. a pool that changes your hair color while you're in it, a pool that makes clothing/towels dissolve, a pool that feels more oily than watery, a pool that is completely normal except the water is holographic, etc.)

• Always be sure to ask before springing sexual Kizuna affects on other characters!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A: are we there yet, daytime]
[Someone's brought their harp on the ride to the hot springs, and has been idly strumming it the whole ride. If anyone seems stressed by their sudden stop-]

Oh, this won't do. Would you like a song to soothe your nerves?

[B: enchanted bathwater, daytime]
[Well, actually, this particular bath isn't enchanted, being one of the lower pools. Eater can actually read signs, thank you.]

Ah~ How lovely. If only there were a handsome gentleman here to peek... ♥

[Who is she talking to? You? No, she's mostly talking to herself, because she is Like This.]

[C: indoor baths, nighttime]
[Obviously, it's better to enjoy the indoor pools after it gets dark. Duh. And since this personality of Eater's is a guy, that means he uses the guys' bath.

His titties (such as they are, they're pretty flat) are basically Out, and if anyone gives him a weird look, he'll glare at them in return.]

You got something to say to me?

[ Being pulled from home at such a time really did wonders to completely sour his mood. Especially since nobody was able to do a thing to send him back home where he belonged. Liyue needed him and now if anyone were to call his name and he did not arrive to help them... it was something he didn't wish to think about.

So while he was stuck here, Xiao had finally cooled off enough to go - very reluctantly - to the hot springs.

Even specifically waiting until he figured it was quiet and nobody was really around before making to go to one of the lower pools and at first? It looked empty. Gone was the armor, his mask and everything else, only having a towel wrapped around his waist and looking none too happy when he'd realized he wasn't alone. It appeared to be a woman, but she looked to be the only one so he minded his own business and got into the water and satisfied it was so quiet... though it was somewhat short lived. ]

I can't possibly fathom why that is something someone would want at a time like this. Humans have such warped priorities.

[ She seemed human, so hence the comment. Already he was starting to regret coming here. ]

Humans are quite curious creatures~ [She giggles, light and airy.] I have yet to fully understand them myself.

[But they certainly don't have a monopoly on thirst!]

Curious. Reckless. Selfish. Fickle.

[ Xiao closed his eyes and scoffed a little. He hadn't missed the deliberate way she'd spoken of humans in the same way he had, but wasn't going to comment on such a thing at this point yet. ]

There's not much TO get or understand as far as humans are concerned.

You have not known many humans intimately, if you believe that is all they are, good sir.

[She likes humans! They're interesting, although some more than others.]

I have not yet found a reason to do so when it comes to humans. There's no purpose in getting attached to something so fleeting.

[ He has his reasons for keeping others at a distance here. Getting too close to them was always something he avoided, but at the same time it would be a distraction if he allowed himself to stray from his designated path. ]

Their lives are short, yes... But I have always found that they are worth treasuring while they are here, if one finds one worthy.

[Just talking about immortality and humanity while naked in a hot spring, no big.]

[ Xiao is quiet for a moment, having been about to tell her off for such a foolish comment but then stopped short. That traveler. They were so insistent on involving themselves with him continuously and it was annoying but... he still did it. Why? ]

Very few can be considered worthy, and even so. Why would you bother doing something that will just hurt you later when they are no longer in this world?

[ It's a somewhat loaded question and a tiny glimpse into how he feels. ]

To do otherwise would simply be too lonely.

[It's been a long time since she's been able to rely on other immortals for friendship.]

[ That word struck him deeply and his eyes re-opened, even if it was to just stare at the water. He was tired, having been around this long and yet wished to keep protecting the people. Lonely was never one he'd used in line with himself at all. ]

I'm used to being alone. It's better that way and always has been.

[ Xiao's tone faltered for just a second. Who was he trying to convince exactly? Her? or Himself? ]

As you say, sir.

[She doesn't believe him - he reminds her already of another immortal she used to know. Eater wonders how he's doing.]

Nonetheless, perhaps you could avail yourself of some company while you are in this world, at least?

[ It's at least thankful she hadn't pressed further with that or it would have went down a path he didn't want to think much about. ]

It isn't as if I have much choice in the matter.

[ He exhaled a soft sigh, relaxing his shoulders a bit. ]

Making bonds with those who are stuck here in this world is necessary to get by, according to the scientists who deigned to bring me here without my permission.

Well then ♥ Allow me to volunteer, kind sir.

[She scoots a little closer to him.]

Allow me to introduce myself - I am Eater, a traveling minstrel.

[ That just has him blinking a couple times in mild surprise before looking away, since he did respect people's boundaries and clothing was a limited thing here. ]

Hm. You can call me Xiao.

[ He'd nearly added Adeptus before it but stopped himself before doing so as those here would not know what such a thing was. ]

Just a traveling minstrel, though? Your words alone speak of inhumanity so what else are you, if not human?

A pleasure to meet you, Sir Xiao~

[you can look at her it's fiiine]

I was an angel, once. But I prefer to define myself by what I am now, rather than what I once was.

[ Quietly nodding his head at her words, something unreadable seemed to briefly cross his features. ]

Hm. It is wise to look ahead to the future instead of the past, so you appear to have your priorities straight.

[ Says the one suffering from things in his past but hell if he's ever gonna mention it. ]

I won't pry into your reasons why. As long as it isn't something you regret and you face your choices head on.

I have never regretted my decisions, and I do not foresee that changing.

And you, Sir Xiao? Will you tell me a little of yourself?

[ Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he was a bit more comfortable speaking with her due to knowing she wasn't human. That and possibly slowly realizing his karma likely wouldn't reach across worlds to affect those around him. ]

That depends on what it is you want to know.

[ Essentially it just means anything she asks is something he may or may not choose to answer depending on what it is. ]

Tit for tat would be appropriate, would it not? May I ask what you are, if not human?

[It's not like he's doing a good job of hiding that he isn't one anyway.]

[ She's got him there. It was just a matter of wording things in a way that would be understood. Had they been in Teyvat, he could have just been super concise with his explanation but since it wasn't like that? A bit more detail was necessary. ]

I'm an immortal being known as an adeptus in my world and have been around for over two thousand years.

[ That should suffice to a point. Hopefully. ]

My, then we are around the same age, how lovely ♥

[The most important takeaway from that, obviously.]

I fail to see why that is of any importance as far as things here are concerned.

[ Don't mind him Eater. He's just moody. As usual. ]

We are encouraged to bond while we are here. I find it easier to become intimate with those around my own age, do you not?

[yes she means intimate in both ways]

[ ~~Why did she have to be right?~~ Her words are enough that he can't say anything against them, exhaling a small sigh. ]

I've never had a need to bond with anyone before my arrival here. [ A pause. ] As far as that matter is concerned, though? You do have a fair enough point.

One must adapt when visiting a new world, I find.

[It's not the first time for her, and it won't be the last.]

February | Event: Boiling Love

Eater | Blaze Union

B

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