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

[nonrefractory]

❰ his shoulders sag in acceptance, fully aware that he's too far helpless in this state to argue that he's not in need of help. it doesn't help that in reality? he could start a fire with his own magic...but to utilize his powers while in such an emotionally rocky state doesn't feel like a good idea. yet again, his status as a worrywart means he's neglected his own well-being, and to the detriment of others. ❱

Your kindness still won't be disregarded. ❰ the list of people that he owes gratitude to grows all the longer, and yakumo will have to brainstorm how to repay those who have taken care of him so far. this is perhaps the most thoughtful of all acts of kindness, related directly to his physical well-being.

shaking his head for a moment, he recalls a misstep in his own politeness. ❱ I'm Yakumo. ❰ just now completing the exchanging of names that was initiated a bit ago. ❱ Do you work as a medic of sorts?

[phoenixblessed]

[He nods slightly at the name. As he had suspected, but it didn't hurt to have it confirmed. In his efforts to make sure the other man's hands are evenly warmed he clasps the fingertips between his palms, then after a moment of quiet consideration he moves them away to quickly take off his gloves.

Under the gloves his hands are pale, the left one bearing a peculiar scar across the back that goes up under the cuff of his sleeve. His fingers are covered in old, faded nicks and marks and the reason why may become abundantly clear when he resumes his hold of Yakumo's hands - his palms and fingers are calloused from sword use.]

I'm no medic. [An amusing thought, almost.] But I travelled for several years and some of the environments were extreme. I simply know how to handle myself in the cold.

[Not to say that he enjoys it. In fact, this place does dredge up some unpleasant memories.]

How did you come to be out here by yourself?

[nonrefractory]

❰ the shift from a soft fabric to the rough hands of a hard-working man would be a downgrade for some people, those who prefer the comfort of smoothness. alternatively, yakumo prefers the new texture. it's much more intimate, which the connections of others matter so much to him now — more than ever before, even if they're from a relative stranger in the middle of a frozen island. even shift of their hands introduces him to a new callous to feel or a nicked scar to rub against, even if the touch is slight.

it's obvious that the answer to his previous question was now before diluc even confirms, just based on these hands. ❱ I didn't have anyone to travel with. ❰ he chuffs out a breath, feeling his jaw unclench as his teeth settle into an only occasional chatter. ❱ I'm on something of a solo mission.

[phoenixblessed]

Hm... I'm sure I don't need to tell you how foolish a decision that was.

[Though whether foolish on Yakumo's part or the NRL's, Diluc doesn't specify. He simply gives a small shake of of his head and continues to lightly chafe Yakumo's fingers between his palms.

The redhead hadn't wanted to come out here, really. It was only the reward for it that had tempted him - not that he needed it urgently, but he had some plans to put into progress that a little extra money would not harm in the slightest.

With his concentration still aimed down he turns both of the other young man's hands over and slides his thumbs across the palms. Then, carefully, he pinches his thumbs and forefingers lightly against each of Yakumo's fingertips.]

Can you feel all of this? Does any of it hurt?

[nonrefractory]

I didn't have much of a choice.

❰ his tone is absolute and sad. no one he knows is here, evident by the fact that he's trying desperately to find at least one person he recognizes.

— no, that's inaccurate. finding most other people he knows would be a bonus. there's really only one person that's leading him to search so seriously like this. and he isn't here.

yakumo's stare is intense as he watches diluc's hands rub over his own. it's grounding, helping him to keep his essence at bay. the longer he lets his mind slip into this failed mission and what it may mean, the more likely it is that he lashes out in a way that he would never want to...especially when he's still in the presence of someone so kind. he can feel all of it, from the rough slide of the palms to—

snrk. the pinch tickles a little, causing him to choke on his breath. ❱ Yes, yes— Well, I can feel it. It doesn't hurt at all.

[phoenixblessed]

[No choice? Interesting. Diluc just sighs quietly and doesn't really notice the small frown that furrows his brow as he considers the implications of that statement. He can feel Yakumo's stare on him, though, and when the other man's breath catches like that he looks up to meet his eyes.

... And stills, for a moment, before he faintly smiles.]

That's good. No permanent damage then, I expect.

[Good, because he wasn't overstating it when he said he would have no idea of how to deal with it if Yakumo required genuine medical attention. As it is, they're both just a bit cold, and Diluc can certainly deal with that much if the fire he's managed to raise without even touching the wood is anything to go by.

He lets go of Yakumo's hands finally but still stays close by his side, very aware of the benefit of body heat in such situations.]

But it's good that I found you when I did. [Another small but warm smile is sent the young man's way.] If you're still feeling the cold you can have my coat.

[nonrefractory]

❰ he certainly doesn't feel so bad as to be worried about any long-term impact, but yakumo does wish they weren't in a place that was so chilly. the warmth in his hands and the burgeoning fire help some, and he's certainly grateful — but a further increase in temperature would make him much more comfortable.

yakumo smiles back, dipping his head slightly. ❱ Thank you, but it's alright. I'll make it. ❰ he shrugs his own outer wear closer onto his shoulders. his hands wring together, trying to keep the warmth alive within them. it would be nice to have another layer, but he's already asked for too much. ❱ Please don't feel like you need to go out of your way for me like this. And if you know of a way I can repay you—

❰ a chill goes through his body which interrupts his speech for a moment. yakumo curls into himself a little further, trying to keep any and all heat as close to him as possible. ❱ At a later date, anyway...

[phoenixblessed]

[Had it not been for the way Yakumo continued to shiver to such an extent that it made his words stumble, Diluc might have left it there. As it is, though... The redhead breathes out a gentle sigh and unfastens the front of his coat, shrugging it off and then reaching across to drape it over the other man's shoulders.

Eventually the cold would begin to bother him more than he could tolerate, but for a couple of hours he could manage with it. His own body temperature is always high, making him a walking radiator for most people, and the coat that he puts against Yakumo's back holds a good deal of warmth.]

Don't think of it as a favour that needs to be repaid. [He inches close to the fire, tugging his scarf up a little higher around his ears and then pulling his gloves more firmly onto his hands.] I don't feel the cold as much as most people, so don't worry.

[Diluc glances across to Yakumo and looks him up and down, curious.]

How is it? Better?

[nonrefractory]

❰ the additional warmth of the jacket is felt both both internally and externally. the insulated piece of clothing combined with the residual heat from another person's body means it's an instant feeling of heat, which helps his muscles to relax further. additionally, it's a selfless gesture that puts the other man at a disadvantage. yakumo would continue to protest, but it feels unnecessarily pedantic to keep denying assistance.

regardless of diluc telling him otherwise, this is definitely a favor -- a series of favors, at that, and the repayment necessity of all of them keeps growing. ❱

That must be nice...I've always been miserable in winter. ❰ the hyperbole makes him grimace immediately. at least he had a home, and blankets and a fire. it's certainly more fortunate than he would have been otherwise. ❱ I'm definitely better than I was previously...but please, tell me if you need this back.

❰ he shrugs the blanket closer around himself, both as a gesture and to ensure no potential warmth escapes. ❱

[phoenixblessed]

Mm, I will.

[He likely won't. Yakumo seems to need it far more than Diluc does right now, and the fire he has going has grown enough to be able to stave off most of the chill. Still, he sighs a little to himself as the flames crackle and snap through the wood, his eyes half-lidding as he draws one knee up to his chest and wraps one arm around it, bracing his weight against his thigh.]

I don't usually involve myself in the NRL's 'experiments'. [Diluc comments after a few quiet moments pass. He isn't much for small talk - neither enjoying it or being terribly good at it - but he's also aware of how extended silences can make people uncomfortable.] But this one had me curious. [Another pause, a glance.] I assume it was the same for you?

[Aside from seeming terribly underprepared for the weather, the fact he was out here alone still has Diluc baffled. But maybe he was just... unfortunate. Diluc's opinion of the NRL when it comes to them taking good care of the refugees is not a high one.]