January | Event: Castle in the Snow

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Castle in the Snow↲ OOC Plotting

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As winter rolls through Tokyo, some may find themselves longing for a little snowfall. While it certainly gets cold, there's very little snow in Tokyo proper, with the storm of last year having been something of a fluke.

But as it turns out, those looking for a little snow will get their wish, as the NRL announces an opportunity for refugees interested in traveling to visit the northern region of Hokkaido for a weeklong getaway.

A City Encased in Ice

Visiting Hokkaido is something of an undertaking. Well beyond the stretch of Kanto's flooded valleys and city ruins, the only realistic way to visit Hokkaido is by train. And once there, navigating it makes the train something of a requirement. This is because Hokkaido is home to a unique phenomenon known as the Everfrost, a frigid storm that perpetually blankets the region in snow and ice, no matter the season.

Following a lengthy train ride, the train enters a tunnel that sends it underground, before finally emerging into a station seemingly carved out of dark blue ice crystals. And yet the refugees won't feel a chill, as the unique properties of ice formed by the Everfrost prevents it from melting, even with the heat on. From there, it'll just be quick transfer, and they'll arrive in the Minami Ward of the city of Sapporo.

Earn Your Keep Minami, Sapporo
The refugees will be staying in Sapporo's famous Ice Princess Hotel, a luxury resort made entirely of Everfrost ice and located in the shadows of a massive castle. Ordinarily, the rooms here would be too expensive for even the wealthiest refugee. But seeing as this is the off-season (no one wants to visit a perpetual winter wonderland in the winter, obviously), they've arranged special accommodations that even the NRL can afford! The rooms are nothing grand, arranged in a suite style with multiple bedrooms connecting to a shared living area. And of course, while the rooms are still rather warm, the walls themselves are made of thick Everfrost, which is just as cold to the touch as ice ought to be. Make sure not to lean against it after a shower.

Unfortunately, these accommodations require each guest to work a minimum of one work shift at the resort. While it's not impossible to argue one's way out of working, seeing as they were not informed of this part of the deal, those willing to grin and bear it will find that the work available really isn't that bad. There's ordinary jobs, such as cleaning, managing the front desk, or helping out in the bar or kitchen. But most of them will be given opportunities to learn more about Hokkaido's Everfrost up close.

Those who can handle the cold will be invited to a workshop behind the resort where the Everfrost is processed into workable materials. Harvested from the eye of the storm in the center of Sapporo, these icy blocks are carved into shapes and then polished until they shine a brilliant blue. Walls, frames for furniture and decor, glasses and even plates used for cold desserts are all common uses for Everfrost. The ice is plentiful and can easily be frozen back together again, so there's no need to worry if your carving skills aren't up to par.

Those who assist here will also be given an item made of Everfrost of their choice, ranging from gemstones to be inlaid into jewelry, to an icy blade that never melts. Just remember, it is very cold, so try not to wear it anywhere it touches the skin.

Gourmet Tourism Ainosato, Sapporo
Due to the sheer cold of Sapporo's climate, the only way to travel through the city is by underground train, with only the locals brave enough to navigate the streets on foot. But the refugees are certainly welcome to try, and will even be offered snowshoes to make the trip easier.

Heading north to the Ainosato Ward, refugees will find a Beer Museum dedicated to all the brews made throughout Nippon, and including some rare international brands. Naturally, there's free samples, but do try not to get drunk until you reach the bar at the end of the guided tour. This is also the only bar in the East with a permit for selling imported Uki beer, which is almost cloyingly sweet and sure to be an acquired taste, even for those who normally enjoy Uki.

For those seeking Sapporo's signature snack as a souvenir to take back to Tokyo, they'll be sure to find no shortage of shops selling Snow White Lovers, which are said to invoke strong feelings of pure and innocent love when gifted to someone else. Which is very literal, because the gift boxes they arrive in are enchanted with a temporary love spell. At least the cookies are fine??

Nippon's Snow Level

While exploring the city is all fine and good, the real draw of Hokkaido is the sheer amount of outdoor activities visitors can do out in the snow! Naturally, winters in Hokkaido are even harsher than usual, so all refugees interested in exploring will be encouraged to take with them a special haori that can be worn over their clothes, imbued with a magi-tech heating element to keep the wearer nice and toasty.

The Ice Princess Hotel is connected to a large ski resort, and is a short distance from numerous hiking trails. But take note: the cold isn't the only threat out in the wilderness, and those without the ability to protect themselves may be joined a local Hunter Samurai just in case they get lost or encounter something dangerous.

Regardless, whether one is interested in renting some skis, sleds, or snowshoes, the ski resort is still sure to be a pleasant experience!

Crystal Tears Minami, Sapporo
Although Hokkaido is stuck in a perpetual winter, that doesn't mean nothing grows here. In fact, Hokkaido is the only place where crystalflowers can be found. As the name suggests, they're flowers with a crystal-like appearance, with jagged petals and a clear stem. And despite growing like flowers, attempting to handle the fragile petals will cause them to melt like ice.

These flowers can be found all across Hokkaido no matter the time of year, but the best place for viewing them is at the summit of the Ice Princess Ski Resort, where an elaborate garden showcasing different varieties can be found. Some grow on spiky vines like roses, while others grow straight from the ground like poppies.

But beautiful as they are, being surrounded by so many has an odd side effect. For those with an affinity for water or ice magic of any kind, be it local or from home, they may find themselves starting to cry when standing amongst the flowers. While they won't be able to understand why, they'll feel a certain sense of melancholy when looking upon them, as if reminded of someone dear they've lost in the past.

Thankfully, this effect will wear off after getting some distance from the flowers.

Remnants of a Goddess ???, Sapporo
But not everywhere in Sapporo is safe to explore. Those with a penchant for getting into danger may find themselves wandering into the eye of the storm at the very heart of Sapporo. The Everfrost is not a natural occurrence, and is in fact the result of a powerful Goddess who is said to have met her untimely demise at the hands of the people who once worshipped her. While the true history has been lost to time, there's no denying that the source of the storm pours out from a single region in Sapporo.

Although there are many signs warning visitors to keep their distance, should anyone press through the snow, they may hear the sound of someone screaming into the wind. Following it will lead them to a large chasm, with a single bridge of ice leading to a large crystal-like structure. The bridge is slippery, and the only way into the structure is to follow the winding staircase of ice that circles around the outside to an entrance at the top. The chasm is too dark to see the bottom of, so hikers best be careful not to slip and fall.

But once they reach the inside, they'll find no person waiting for them. Instead, they'll find the entire inside of the structure is carpeted with crystalflowers, and at the very center sits an absolutely massive flower, which begins to stir as if it were alive.

If the elaborate set up wasn't obvious enough: this is a boss fight.

The flower is capable of summoning icy phantoms, who take the form of beautiful young women. These phantoms will surround their opponents with cyclones of icy wind, causing a death by a thousand cuts if they aren't shattered. Only by shattering the first phantom will the flower once more return to dormancy. Attacking the flower directly is also an option, though it is far more dangerous, as the entire structure is filled with the flower's roots, capable of wrapping around opponents and stabbing them with icy thorns, sapping the heat from their bodies.

Defeating the flower will calm the storm down long enough for them to safely return to the city proper. But should they stay long enough to explore the inside of the structure, they'll find numerous riches and expensive offerings that no one is going to stop them from taking. Just don't take too long stuffing your pockets, or you'll have to fight the damn thing twice just to get out.

Icy Reflections

Just behind the Ice Princess Hotel sits a tall and imposing building within the castle complex. Believed to have once been the keep where an ancient goddess ruled over her subjects, this area isn't part of the main hotel. Instead, guests are welcome to explore the maze-like corridors on their own.

Unlike the hotel, the castle isn't heated, and the structure isn't entirely made with Everfrost. Instead, it appears as though the Everfrost simply blanketed every inch of the original wooden castle, with everyday objects and decor sometimes visible beneath the unpolished ice stone, forever frozen in time.

But for those who dare explore the highest levels of the keep comes an ominous warning: should you meet a phantom of ice, shatter it immediately, lest it assume your identity and replace you.

Mirror, Mirror Minami, Sapporo
Throughout the castle's keep, there's only one thing that hasn't been covered by the Everfrost. On each floor sits a large mirror, seemingly enshrined into the center of each room. And looking into these mirrors reveals a distorted image of oneself.

As they ascend to the higher floors, the images will become clearer, revealing the reflections to be glimpses of alternate timelines from their home worlds. Each floor will reveal more of a specific timeline, their altered reflection growing more and more detailed. And upon reaching the highest floor, looking into the mirror will cause them to trade places with this alternate version of themself.

These alternate versions are the result of a kouribake, the ice phantom ayakashi, and appear just as real as the ones they replace. They retain all memories of the original's life in Nippon, as well as any memories from the alternate timeline. However, they have a significantly lower body temperature, and their bodies will crack and shatter when injured.

But what do they want, exactly? It's hard to say. Some of the more peaceful ones will even admit to being reflections of alternate timelines, given solid form thanks to the ayakashi. But others will retain some shades of malice, intent on taking over the life of the original, and silencing anyone who finds out the truth.

Shatter Me Minami, Sapporo
Now some may be wondering why something so dangerous is open to the public. But that's just the thing: ordinarily, these ayakashi aren't dangerous at all, and their phantoms simply melt away after about an hour, freeing the original from the mirror. But things have changed. And the ice phantoms will exist indefinitely unless destroyed.

Is it Kizuna? For some reason, the locals and even the NRL don't believe that to be the case. But regardless, these phantoms need to be dealt with.

Thankfully, many phantoms can be convinced to leave peacefully. These phantoms may simply have a short list of things they want to experience or share, and will leave willingly once satisfied. It could be sharing their alternate past, finally confessing their feelings for someone they met in Nippon, indulging in sex or a specific kink, or just eating their favorite meal from home. Upon being satisfied, they will fade away until all that remains is a crystalflower.

But others will be more stubborn, and may need to be shattered entirely. Naturally, this is easier said than done when the phantoms share the face of someone you care about. These phantoms may have powerful new abilities from their respective timelines, or even ice-themed versions of their original's powers. While their bodies are constructs of ice and magic, wounds that would otherwise be fatal will still be fatal for the phantoms.

Of course, the fastest method is to simply destroy the ayakashi responsible for creating the phantoms. But by the week's end, any remaining phantoms will turn into crystalflowers, with the kouribake responsible nowhere to be found.

And perhaps the most troubling thing about all of this is that the original may receive memories of the phantom's time spent in Nippon, as well as vague memories of life in this alternate timeline. Was the alternate timeline real after all? Or was it just all an illusion conjured up by the ayakashi? Perhaps some things are better left unknown.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's January event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• Characters who won a trip in the TDM's ice skating contest will be upgraded to private, luxury rooms as per the contest's rewards. As there was no need to sign up for this, players who want their characters to have a fancier stay without needing to work for a day can just say they won a prize!

• As the Hi element concerns both high and low temperatures, characters who have mastered either Hi or Mizu can also be affected by the crystalflowers.

• The giant flower cannot be fully destroyed, nor will the structure melt if subjected to fire. That said, the crystalflowers can still melt, and will cause the chamber to fill with icy water if too much heat is applied.

• The treasure will not include modern day currency, but instead will include jewelry, gemstones, very old gold and silver coins, and ancient artifacts like vases, cutlery, and weapons. These can be sold in Sapporo to collectors for a high price (upwards of 500 thousand yen), or sold in Yokohama's Port Market for an extremely high price (upwards of 10 million yen). Only the weapons will not sell, as upon explaining where they were found, most collectors will presume the weapons to be cursed and will suggest they enshrine them instead.

• Ice Phantom AUs must be possible deviations from canon, but otherwise, can be as wild as you'd like. For example, you can't do an AU where Naruto is a Pokemon trainer, because Pokemon don't exist in Naruto's canon. But you can do an AU where Naruto is adopted by a canon villain and grows up evil, drastically altering his personality and past.

• AUs will still retain memories of their original's time in Nippon. Whether these memories are skewed to suit their new personality/backstory is up to you!

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Comments

[icepatch]

[The fire definitely hit home and turned the attention of the woman and flower away from Kaeya for the moment. Until more sharp ice is thrown at it. One arc of fire didn't seem to annoy it as much as bunch of sharp icicles. There's a bit of a icy wind that hits Kaeya, causing him to flinch a little. Suddenly, there were several icy phantoms dancing around him. The women were beautiful, but not enough to distract him. He needed their eyes on him anyway to keep Diluc free to melt the flower and the main woman on time. His sword flashed, slicing at the women and cutting through the biting wind.]

Just how many of you are there?

[It was an odd dance. Needing to avoid the phantoms enough to cut through, but even as he blinked behind to cut one down, two more appeared and the wind cut through his ice resistance so easily. Shallow cuts were appearing all over him as he fought to keep the enemy's eyes on him. But he had his limits, the pain was getting to be a bit much and eventually, he was only doing himself more harm than good.

With a growl, he flipped the sword down and stabbed it into the ice. A shield burst forth from the ground up, light and thin but it stopped the thousands of paper cut like wounds from appearing as the shield was peppered with the attacks, absorbing the damage for him. It was temporary though.]

Diluc, now would be a good time to use your Phoenix!

[The place where Kaeya stopped, however, would mean he would be in the path if Diluc was going to aim for the phantoms as well as the flower.]

[phoenixblessed]

Ugh-...

[Kaeya can't hold against this for long. Diluc can see that without needing to examine the situation - a quick scan of what's going on and he doesn't miss the cuts already showing on Kaeya's clothing.

Thank Celestia he has that shield.

But it won't last forever. Vision-generated shields never do. Diluc's mind was already going to exactly what the other man calls out as he speaks up, and the air around him shimmers with heat. The flames dancing along the edge of his blade flare up brightly, and as roots begin to rise out of the ground around him he realises he's hemmed in. There's only one way to aim, and although it will hit the maiden on top of the flower... it will hit Kaeya as well.

He shouldn't hesitate, but he does. Wastes a precious second of Kaeya's ability to protect himself before he realises how quickly he needs to act.

Diluc darts back a few steps, out of the way of the vine-like roots winding their way towards his ankles. His jaw clenches, then he lifts his claymore and swings it in a wide, powerful arc.

His use of this move in the forest months ago had not been at its full force, and here his desperation to end this shows in the enormous size of the firey bird that bursts forth from where he's standing. A wave of fire follows after it, melting the flowers on the ground and making the water they turn to hiss into steam. The phoenix spreads its wings, the fire almost seeming to roar as it nearly fills the room and barrels towards the icy maiden on the flower's top.

The creature doesn't stand a chance.

He can only hope that Kaeya can withstand it.]

[icepatch]

[Kaeya was prepared to see it this time, but that didn't make it any easier to watch the enormous fire bird coming straight at him. He knew he was not the true aim, he was merely in its path. And yet, he could feel his heart race and for a moment, he was frozen in fear. But then, Kaeya gripped the sword tighter and his Vision flared as he desperately upped the resistance of his shield within the timeframe he was still afforded.

The phoenix slammed into the shield with such force that it threatened to topple him right then and there, the sound of cracking glass could be heard as it tried to get passed the obstacle that was Kaeya Alberich. The icy phantoms and the cutting wind melted within that giant wingspan and soon, due to the round nature of the vision generated shield, the fire bird slid upward slightly to finally pass over the Calvary Captain.

It was here that his time was up and the ice shield shattered. The fire itself was overhead, but the heat alone took his breath away and Kaeya was pushed back by the force. He tumbled along the melted and steaming floor, but thankfully not burnt. Even as the phoenix slammed into the primary woman and her flower, Kaeya simply let himself lay on the floor in a rather pathetic heap. His sword shimmered away in golden sparks.

He needed a minute.]

[phoenixblessed]

Kaeya!

[His heart is simultaneously in his throat and falling through the pit of his stomach as the steam begins to clear and he sees the other man sprawled out on the floor. He almost slips between how his claymore feels suddenly heavy and the stumbling of his steps as he scrambles across the room to where Kaeya is lying.

The flower maiden... goddess... whatever the hell she is seems to be pushed back or destroyed for now. The phoenix had done its job and the room is quiet save for the drip-drip of water and the soft crackling of defrosting ice.

Diluc slides to his knees next to Kaeya and grabs his hand, looking him over for any injuries. He doesn't look hurt, at least... no burns... The vice around Diluc's chest feels like it eases slightly.]

... You're okay.

[Thank the gods...]

[icepatch]

[No burns, just a lot of shallow cuts not unlike paper cuts littering him. Some were bleeding a little and would stop soon enough and many others were just red but otherwise too shallow to bleed. It was going to be a bitch to deal with but Kaeya could deal with it.

He turned his head, grimacing lightly because the water was soaking into his clothes a little. He gave Diluc's hand a reassuring squeeze and a small smile... And the immediately wince and made an unpleasant face.]

Really?

[He pressed his fingers to his cheek and found the small cut. Damn it, even his face hadn't been left alone! He rolled his eyes. He was half expecting even the straps of his eyepatch to have been cut as well but thankfully that remained intact.]

Well, that's just uncalled for.

[Of course, the slight shake in his voice alerted anyone that he wasn't as nonchalant about what happened as he was pretending to be. His heart was still racing and he was going to have the image of the phoenix burned in his mind for awhile yet. But, he was fine. It was a different circumstance and he had been expecting it, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.]

[phoenixblessed]

[When Kaeya squeezes his hand like that, smiles at him, he lets out a breathless little half-laugh. He doesn't miss the tremble in the other man's voice and pulls him up into a sitting position to hug him tightly for several long moments.]

I'm sorry.

[Of all the words he might have chosen to say, those are the ones that come out. Something he should have said all those years ago instead of just leaving. Kaeya doesn't need to hear it now, not really, but he can't help but blurt it out as he presses his cheek against the top of the other man's hair and feels himself shaking.

He's fine. They're both fine.]

Come on, get up. You're going to catch a cold.

[icepatch]

[Kaeya couldn't help but curl into Diluc's warmth, both Vision induced and the natural heat the man gave off. He didn't understand the apology, but he didn't comment either. He simply tilted his head slightly against the redhead's neck.]

I'll be fine with you here being my walking furnace.

[He wasn't sure he was ready to get up yet, but he knew they had to soon. Who knew if the thing was actually dead or just dormant for now like the usual Cryoregisvine.

He shuddered a little, but then let out a soft chuckle.]

I don't really want to think about all those stairs we have to walk down.

[phoenixblessed]

Mm.

[He holds on to Kaeya for another few moments more, then pulls back and grabs his hand to haul him up to his feet. The howling wind that had been raging outside and dogging at them the entire time they had been making their way up here has fallen strangely quiet and he looks towards the exit of the room with a curious frown.]

We might be able to find somewhere to make a fire and rest a little while before we go back.

[Kaeya looks like he needs it, and while Diluc is in the habit of denying the exhaustion of his own body he expects he could use a brief respite as well.]

And you can have my coat. I don't want you getting sick.

[icepatch]

[He grunted softly as he was hauled up, wincing as the smattering of paper cuts stung like no one's business. Kaeya also couldn't help the face he made as the back of his clothes clung to him unpleasantly. He was already making to peel off at least his outer layer when Diluc said he would offer his coat.]

I can make it back now that the storm is gone. I don't think I want to chance it returning while we wait, though. You sure you want to be without your coat?

[phoenixblessed]

I'll be fine. [And before Kaeya can complain too much, he slides his coat off his shoulders and drapes it, warm and cosy, around the other man. Then he tilts his head towards the path back down the mountain and smiles slightly.]

Let's go, before you catch a cold.

🎀?

[icepatch]

[Kaeya huffed quietly but stayed still as Diluc placed the coat around him. It was dry and warm and he couldn't help cozying up into it. Diluc may be only just slightly shorter than him, but he was much broader so the coat felt big on him.

He rather enjoyed that feeling and smiled in return.]

Yeah. Let's go. Hopefully we'll make it back to town before the storm picks back up.