April | Event: Skybound Travelers

[jikan_mod]

Skybound Travelers↲ OOC Plotting

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As everyone settles into a routine in Nippon, newer refugees may find that visiting the Western Kingdom is something of an undertaking. Although considerably faster than traveling by airship or on foot, the underground train that connects Tokyo and Kyoto still takes at least five hours. And not everyone enjoys the roller coaster-like experience of the Sunday-only time surge that shortens that ride into ten minutes. But lucky for them, the NRL are finally ready to release a special new travel system!

Developed in part thanks to the refugees for gathering the necessary etherblossoms back in March, refugees will now find teleportation terminals available at the NRL in Tokyo and MRU in Kyoto. These terminals only connect to each other, with plans to expand to other cities in the future.

Or at least, that's what they're supposed to do.


Nippon Traveler

With the announcement of fast travel between kingdoms quickly spreading among the refugees, many of them are clamoring to be the first to take advantage. After all, the train is rather inconvenient for those with friends and family in both kingdoms, and even more so for those who wish to work in one while living in the other.

Thankfully, the NRL took this into consideration, and made sure to add additional platforms and a timed queueing system to make things run smoothly, essentially creating a small station on the top floor of the NRL's main building. And with exclusive elevator access on the outside just for traveling refugees, it's certainly built for convenience.

Ready, Aim... Kyoto, Western Kingdom
Despite the fact that the NRL has been using these teleporters just fine for transferring between Tokyo and Kyoto for the past few weeks, the sudden inundation of users is causing the system to overload ever so slightly. As a result, the teleporter hasn't been sending people where it should, occasionally redirecting them to random areas throughout Kyoto.

On the one hand, magic is so commonplace in the West that no one really thinks anything about the Refugees popping in and out of existence, with most natives just assuming they're teleporting using the local magic. But on the other hand, this assumption means the natives will think it's intentional, resulting in a large number of refugees finding themselves in both literal and metaphorical hot water after teleporting straight into a public bath, fully-clothed. Hopefully it's a mixed bath, or they might find themselves being carried away by the patrolling samurai guards for questioning.

In addition to becoming a public nuisance for the natives, some may find themselves teleporting into the homes of fellow refugees instead. They may wind up as an uninvited dinner guest, or perhaps they'll appear during a private or intimate moment between lovers. Some may even end up appearing in a closet, giving them ample opportunity to hide until they can make their escape!

Thankfully, this bug is discovered quickly enough that it only creates a few days of chaos -- so don't let that put you off the technology forever!

Here Comes a Thought Higashiyama, Kyoto
But of all the locations the teleporters are sending people to, perhaps the most common one is Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto's Higashiyama neighborhood. As one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, its already a popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens, a veranda overlooking all of Kyoto, and is home to a magic school that specializes in the Mizu Element.

Those who are lucky may simply find themselves suddenly standing in front of a very tall pagoda, or overlooking the view of Kyoto. But most refugees will instead find themselves standing before the Tainai Meguri, a dark underground passageway beneath one of the many shrines in Kiyomizu-dera. Naturally, it'll be assumed they want to go in, and they may find themselves ushered down by a shrine maiden or two who don't want them holding up the line.

Blanketed in an inky darkness, the Tainai Meguri is composed of a single hallway and a rope along the wall to help guide visitors down to the lowest part of the passageway, where a mysterious stone can be found. Glowing with a mysterious power, the stone is the only source of light in the tunnel. And those who touch the stone with a clear mind will see the carving in the center change, showing which magic element they have an aptitude for: Tsuchi, Mizu, Hi, or Kaze.

However, those who touch the stone without a clear mind will witness something different. Because the stone in question is a Memory Stone, an ancient magical artifact capable to creating illusions of a person's memories. Once the stone is touched, the light of the stone will jump out into the darkness, projecting illusions of their past on the walls around them. Whether these illusions appear as text, an exact replica of one's memories, or something more abstract, varies by the person.

Those whose memories are being projected may find themselves completely overwhelmed by the emotions they felt at the time of that memory. For this reason, no one is allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, so those affected better hope that their partner in the darkness is prepared to drag them out of it.

Into the Unknown

As the technology powering these terminals is still quite new to the scientists at the NRL, actually releasing these to the public is still a way off. Although there's zero risk of harm coming as a result of using the terminal, they have noticed that occasionally the terminal registers another point of travel, as if another terminal exists. A reverse transfer always brings them back just fine, but little is known about where these objects are ending up.

To that end, the NRL is asking brave enough refugees interested in exploring to take the teleporter to these unknown locations and report what they find. But don't worry, they're not asking they do this for free! All participants will receive a moderate sum of money, as well as a week-long stay at the Ōwakudani Hot Spring Resort in Hakone, to be redeemed whenever they like.

Cold Cuddles Sapporo, Hokkaido
For the first mysterious location, volunteers will be bundled up in warm clothes, as objects that come back always arrive very cold. And indeed -- upon teleporting, they'll find themselves in the midst of a snowstorm, an ancient version of the same terminal below their feet, and strange ruins all around them. And stranger still, the walls of the ruins appear to be covered in dark blue ice that won't melt no matter how much heat is applied.

It seems this teleporter is somehow connected to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Nippon. Due to an ancient curse, the land is perpetually snowy and plagued by unmelting ice called everfrost. And while those who visited the region prior may recognize their surroundings enough to know they're actually very close to the city of Sapporo, others may not be so lucky, nor willing to take the risk of missing their return window.

Worse still, they're just far enough away from the city that their magi-comms won't work! With no way of activating the terminal from their side, and two hours before the NRL reactivates it on their end to bring them back, it looks like they'll need to huddle together for warmth to ensure they don't freeze.

Thankfully, the terminal is located in a covered area, and the remains of an old campsite nearby even has some blankets and supplies. And upon their return, they'll be given hot drinks and no shortage of apologies for not considering the risk of giving them such a long window to explore.

Party in the Dark Jigoku, Shitaya
The second mysterious location is by far the most intriguing, as it's clearly somewhere that people have access to, and yet no one has tried coming back through the terminals. Instead, empty cans and half-finished drinks sometimes end up on the terminal, with no explanation as to who was drinking them prior. And as this phenomenon only occurs late at night, that's when the volunteers will be sent.

Upon arriving, at first they'll find themselves blanketed in a perpetual darkness, surrounded by some sort of stone tunnel, with the sound of music echoing from further in. They'll still be able to contact the NRL, leading the scientists to suggest that they may be in Jigoku, the catacombs of an abandoned subway system below Tokyo.

Should they be brave enough to follow the source of the music, they'll stumble upon what appears to be a secret speakeasy in the dark, run by the Hanyo who live in the neighborhood of Shitaya. As many Hanyo still possess the Yokai ability to see more clearly in the dark than Humans, the lack of lighting is more a feature than a gimmick.

Still, for having made it all the way down here, they'll be offered free drinks and a playful atmosphere -- so long as they promise to keep their illegal supply of Uki-based drinks and snacks a secret from the authorities. A popular recreational drug in the West made from the naturally sweet Uki Weed, Uki is highly regulated in the East, and causes lowered inhibitions, feelings of calm or euphoria, and even functions as a mild aphrodisiac.

Which might just be why many patrons are taking advantage of the dark and inviting atmosphere for romantic trysts in the dark, with futons set up in nearby tunnels for all your sensory deprivation needs. The Refugees can contact the NRL to return at any time, so why not let loose and join the fun?

Castle in the Sky

After a week of using the teleporters, Refugees will discover a new warp point is now listed alongside Kyoto and Tokyo: Tengoku, the nation of Tengu, comprised of dozens of airborne cities that float high above Nippon. According to the NRL, the technology used for these teleporters was developed thanks to the Tengu of Skytower, as a much belated thank you for the refugee's help back in March 1921.

And while Skytower itself remains off-limits, the Tengu Capital of Miyazaki has decided to open its doors to outsiders for the first time in centuries.

Fly High Miyazaki, Tengoku
The Tengu cities are unlike anywhere else on Nippon, comprised of a single, massive amount of land that towers upward, and numerous smaller islands that float up and around the main part of the city. Mysterious magic-powered technology can be found all around the city, though the appearance is quite different from the more modern magi-tech.

But perhaps the most notable thing is that these cities are not designed to be very accessible to those who can't fly. Very few actual pathways lead upward into the city proper, and the entrance to most buildings are located on the top floor, with only a small balcony in front to land on. But thankfully, there's a means around it!

Upon arrival to the capital of Miyazaki, all Refugees will be offered a small backpack with a tiny pair of wings attached to it. Upon putting it on and jumping, the wings will grow larger, acting like a part of their body and allowing them to fly! These backpacks will only function in Tengoku, but they're welcome to keep them should they decide to visit again.

Of course, just because they have the power to do so doesn't mean they'll actually be good at it. Refugees may struggle to become airborne at all, or may find it difficult to control themselves in mid-air, flying into walls, other refugees, or accidentally hurling themselves over the edge of the city. Thankfully, there's patrolling Tengu who are always prepared to catch those who fall, but considering it always comes with a lecture, it's really not the best experience.

But those who persevere will be able to fly up to the very top of the city, where they'll find a beautiful garden overlooking the clouds. The flora here is far more alien than anything commonly found in Nippon, with plentiful etherblossoms, crystal-like mahougi trees, and-- is that a nuruname bloom? Maybe stay away from that one...

Liquid Happiness Miyazaki, Tengoku
Being so high up in the sky, completely isolated, meant that the Tengu cities were designed to be completely self-sustaining. Although they do conduct trade with the mainland below, almost everything they need is either grown or produced by the land itself. Which might just beg the question: where is the water coming from? Because nearly every level of the city is accented by canals and waterfalls.

But those who visit on a rainy day will get their answer. As high as they are, the Tengu cities are close enough that they can draw from the magic properties of the ring that circles the planet of Gaia, which is only visible at night. Thus, the rain that falls in Miyazaki has magical properties: in audition to a rainbow color, it can be infinitely multiplied, instantly heal wounds and certain illnesses, and seems to cause feelings of euphoria similar to Kizuna when one stands in it. For this reason, the rain that falls in Miyazaki is referred to as liquid happiness.

But for Refugees, these effects are even more extreme. Those who visit Miyazaki during a particularly rainy week at the tail end of April will begin to manifest severe Kizuna side-effects, especially the supernatural variety. While ordinarily these effects are only possible when feelings of love are present, the power of the rain will allow Refugees to share their thoughts and feelings with the people around them, whether they want to or not.

So strong are the effects of the rain that these effects will linger well after they leave, and may even become contagious to those they meet later on the surface. In the end, the NRL issues a warning for Refugees to avoid lingering in Miyazaki in rainy days until a more conclusive study on this "liquid happiness" can be conducted.

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

• Characters will not be allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, and must descend in pairs.

• Sapporo is roughly a twenty minute walk away, and characters who are familiar with their surroundings will be able to go to the city proper. Magi-comms will also begin to work again. More information on Sapporo can be found on the Setting page!

• You are welcome to assume there is Uki-based incense in the underground party if your character would need an extra nudge to participate.

• Given their isolated status, the Tengu cities only contain Tengu Yokai, who range from entirely human-like with wings, anthropomorphic birds, and the traditional long-nosed variety! Although Refugees may be treated as a novelty by the people there, only elderly Tengu will treat them rudely for being outsiders.

• Characters will find that inns and hotels are both plentiful and cheap in Tengu cities, as the cities are very far apart from one another, and it's very common for Tengu to travel far from home. Miyazaki, for instance, floats above Kyushu near the Westernmost point of Nippon!

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Comments

[historicallyloaded]

[ His light laugh goes far in keeping Bricks motivated enough to trudge the steps forward despite his weak frame. It's contagious too; after they crash his own mirth burbles up, soft little chuckles even as he's half pinned under the other man. ]

Ha ha— yes, I'm fine. [ As Yakumo rises to his elbows Bricks takes back his arm but doesn't seem in any rush to get up, feeling more content to lay there with his blonde hair splayed out. ] Are you?

[ He gestures to the room—if you can call it that—but definitely something that offered a comfortable veil of privacy. ] We made it.

[nonrefractory]

❰ the weight of another person — well, half of him, anyway — can be felt underneath him, so yakumo makes an awkward attempt to scuttle backwards. it's only partially successful: his vision is still swimming slightly, and one of his elbows falls into the crevasse between the large pillows. ❱ Sorry, sorry. ❰ he continues to try and remove himself, but it's remaining futile as the traction is working against him. ❱

I'm more comfortable...thank you for all the effort. ❰ it really is quite admirable. he'll have to find some way to repay the kindness, especially as he's a stranger, and yakumo is owed no obligation. he takes a moment to lean back into the softness, both as a means of resetting his posture and assessing himself. the slight spinning is still present in his head, but the matter of his essence remains. the longer he's still, the more his thighs and stomach burn. ❱ It's a better place to wait out my essence calming down than a countertop.

[historicallyloaded]

I'd agree to that. [ He says, voice still with mirth and simmering from the earlier laughter. It was an effort but he's glad to have helped. ] Isn't an opulent feather stuffed mattress but far more comfortable than that countertop. [ The longer he lays here too the less he wants to get up. It's soft, warm, and it'd be a lie to say this fellow wasn't nice to look at, even if he wasn't in a buzzed state of euphoria. He's still curious what he means by essence but chalks it up, again, to drug influence speaking. More important question; ]

Oh, have you got a name, by the way? Mine is Brickston. Brickston Bartholomew Penderyn.

[nonrefractory]

❰ if there weren't more pressing issues to think of, quite literally, this would be such a nice place for a nap. if he's ever in the area, yakumo will have to remember this tent. talking at least keeps his mind occupied, and maybe (if he's lucky) the conversation will extend enough for his needs to simmer down.

he lets out a chuff, mind wandering or else he would be more concerned about it being rude — which isn't the intention at all, it's just that this person (brickston, to make up for politeness) definitely has a visage of being prestigious, much like his name would indicate. ❱ It's Yakumo...certainly not as sophisticated. Your name suits you. ❰ the aesthetics of others has never been a concern of his; in honesty, it's never truly entered his mind to begin with.

maybe it's the drink, or whatever oddity was placed within, but previously unexplored thoughts come to the forefront, such as how brickston has nice hair, a thin neck — which is where his eyes casually linger, body tilted to the side slightly. perhaps this is just what happens when your essence runs amok. ❱

[historicallyloaded]

[ He half laughs. ] How does it suit me? [ Said with a self depreciative air, a mild tease since they've just met and he wonders how Yakumo has come to the conclusion, but of course compliments always feel nice. He'll readily take any and hold them close to his chest as he rolls just a little closer to the other man. ]

Do I look sophisticated? [ His eyebrows go up for emphasis. ] Sound sophisticated? [ Sure maybe he's got an unusual vocabulary and an accent that's less common around here, but... maybe it's just the uki talking. ]

Even in this state of me? [ He starts to think he doesn't care the reason. Just wants to hear Yakumo talk some more in that soft breathy voice of his and keep looking at him the way he is, tussled on the pillows and blankets and utterly relaxed. He's really quite handsome. Bricks wiggles just a little closer still to Yakumo, face mere inches away and looking at him expectantly. Go on, feed his ego. ]

[nonrefractory]

❰ the push back puts yakumo on the defense, immediately concerned that the thoughtless comment has been perceived as offensive. he's not one that's used to being teased. once again he tries to rise up on his elbows and not slip back into a pillow cavern, only somewhat succeeding this time by sheer force of anxious will. it brings them slightly apart again, but also gives him an angle to properly take in the person he's trying to describe. ❱

It's not a bad thing! Certain things about you just...feel sophisticated! Your name sounds official, your hair is longer, the way you talk! ❰ small details bring edmond to mind. it isn't specifically the fact he's a court knight — those men can be the complete antithesis of sophisticated — but just the way he holds himself that creates the connection. it seems to be something held in high regard, but being presumptive in any case can be rude. ❱ They're attractive qualities!

[historicallyloaded]

[ The more Yakumo talks the more that mirth comes back. Bricks' eye narrows as his cheeks pull up in a shit-eating smirk. He can't help it. He starts laughing softly again, though he does try to politely stifle it by covering his mouth with his hand.

Sophisticated could mean a lot of things but for what it was worth he still finds himself flattered by Yakumo's astute assessment. ]

Don't know how sophisticated one noble family truly is from the next, but...

[ He would always hold his own in the highest regard. ]

Incidentally, I... [ He stalls, warmth and giddiness threatening to overtake him; a sudden overwhelming urge to want to touch and cuddle with Yakumo, hear him stammer some more, look at him with those vivid red eyes of his. More indulgently his gaze flickers to Yakumo's lips, very briefly. ] find you quite attractive too.

[ In a more sober state he might more openly question the slitted nature of said eyes but laying down like this he finds himself staring into them, fascinated. Bricks reaches out to touch his cheek but stop just an inch or two short. His brow furrows in question, asking silently for permission. ]

May I lay here with you?

[nonrefractory]

❰ for as much socialization he's been through as of late, non-carnal states and exclamations of affection are new to yakumo. every time he's interacted with in such a way, it catches yakumo off guard — and the way he's taken aback is very present in the way that he's eyes go a little wider, a bit more focus brought back where they were previously bleary. it also hits him that he did essentially just call this man attractive, which isn't untrue. yakumo is aware he's forward, but for some reason the connection hasn't clicked until just now. tonight really is something else.

now truly understanding the shift in tone that this interaction has taken, yakumo shifts himself downward again, sliding slightly so that the pillows cradle his back and shoulders in a more comfortable and slightly-upright way. it makes bricks' hand only a breadth away from him now, and with his forearms and elbows now free, yakumo grasps ahold of the wrist so near to him and forces their skin to meet. he isn't one for anticipation; at least he isn't if he's the one with baited breath. ❱ Of course. ❰ finally answering the question posed to him. ❱ Whatever way you would like.

[historicallyloaded]

[ He makes a soft sound as Yakumo takes his wrist, surprised at his forwardness but pleased to have explicit permission. This situation is incredibly familiar to him. It wasn't uncommon he'd be found high and nestled in some luxurious silks with a pretty face where everything felt cloyingly comfortable. He was a regular at one of the Elite Social Clubs back home, his vice chemical euphoria; anything to get his over-fraught mind to turn off and focus on the present.

And as always in this state, Bricks is torn between wanting to touch, talk, and kiss all at the same time. ]

I like this.

[ He actually likes how Yakumo's hand loops around his wrist and leads him to his face. He lets his palm rest on Yakumo's cheek and his fingers slide up his jawline and over his neck. His deft thin fingers idly pinch soft dark strands between his fingers and twirl them loosely between his knuckles. His green eye soaks in every feature of Yakumo like he were another drug to partake. His fingers take particular fascination with his earring. ]

What intricate and beautiful craftsmanship.

[ Bricks has no piercings, no scars on his body other than the big obvious one that mars his face. He's occasionally thought about remedying the former but his time and attention always seemed to go elsewhere first. ]