jikan_rpg | April | Event: Skybound Travelers

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April | Event: Skybound Travelers

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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[A shiver runs down his spine at the feeling of smooth leather against his cheek, as the look of awe on his face shifts into a playful grin. He has no idea what she has in store for him tonight, and somehow that's all the more exciting. Would he be struck with that crop later, he wonders? It's nothing he's ever actually thought about -- and yet he doesn't question the presence of a riding crop in his fantasies.]

Whatever you desire, my Lady. I'm here because I want to offer that to you.

[It's all too obvious when his eyes flicker down, only briefly, to sweep over her body laid out before him. The maid uniform he's in is tight in all the right places, making him squirm from how he's positioned on the ground before her.]

I like that answer. Why don't you stand up and show me what I get to play with tonight?

[Lift your skirt, she implies. Just as he has been hungrily looking her over Melissa wants to return in kind. Will he be wearing boxers underneath? Lacy panties? Will he be wearing nothing at all?

Her mouth waters just thinking about it. Melissa licks her lips and straightens up a little in her chair.]

[Aether nods and stands with a little flourish, before lifting his skirt as instructed. In addition to garters holding his stockings up, he's wearing a pair of lacy panties that don't seem to be able to contain him very well. And especially not when he's already half hard, excited just at the prospect of what's in store for him tonight.]

How do I look? I hope this outfit is pleasing for you.

[He says, as if he didn't mostly pick it for himself, if the blush on his face is anything to go by.]

[Honestly the first thing she notices is his face. Bright, and happy. Excited and happy to be here with her. Which is most important of all. It warms her, and Melissa shifts in her chair to sit up right.

Who let him be so cute, anyway?]

It certainly does.

[Reaching out again she drags the tip of the crop between his legs. Tracing the bulge that strains against lace, and just barely teasing any sensitive skin that may be spilling from the confines.

The sight makes her ache. A tugging, familiar feeling that ignites the wish to just take him in an instant. But that would cut the game short.]

Perhaps if you exceed expectations I'll reward you. Would you like that?

[A soft gasp passes by his lips at the feeling of the crop over his skin. It has him filling out more, straining those panties even further, but still not quite spilling out of them. Somehow, that feeling of tightness was just as appealing as the light touch of the crop.]

[Though he fights to keep himself still, he can't help but lean into it, biting his lip as he relishes that feeling.]

Ahh... I would like that very much.

[Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. He's so small in frame, so delicate. The lace and frills do suit him quite nicely. A part of her is a little envious she could never be that, but such a negative feeling doesn't stay long at all. Easily it fades like a message written in sand; washed away by ocean waves.

Leaning against the back of her chair, Melissa spreads her legs and uses the crop to lift the skirt of her dress. Revealing the white body suit hemmed in gold. Though the crotch — that is turning a tad translucent the more damp it becomes from evidence of her own arousal.]

Then make me feel good, and I shall return the favor. Grant any wish you'd like, little maid. As it is in my power to do so.

[His cheeks flush as his eyes follow the movement of the crop, his tongue flicking out over his lips at the sight she reveals to him. Anything he wants? She was already giving him that.]

It would be my pleasure, Lady Melissa.

[Letting his own skirt fall down over his thighs once more, he moves to kneel down at her feet once more, this time situating himself between her legs. Resting one hand on her thigh to brace himself, he moves forward to press a kiss just above the dampened fabric of her bodysuit, eyes flickering up at her, seeking approval. But it's not long before he starts to move his mouth against her, starting off by simply teasing her through the fabric as his hot breath adds to the heat meeting his lips.]

[Vaguely, in the back of his mind, he's aware he's never actually done this before. But that only makes things more exciting for him -- that awareness that he's trying something new.]

[Is it vain to be enchanted by such golden eyes when she has a similar color? Or perhaps it's not vain at all considering her "original body" had brown eyes. Either way, when Aether looks up at her she's taken by him. Maybe it's how soft looking and large they are compared to her own, harsh and almond shape. She could never be so cute.

The moment Aether begins working his mouth between her legs Melissa jumps. She's never before engaged in anything like this. At least, not this body. It's new, and sensitive. A bright red flush fills her cheeks to the point it spills over to the tops of her ears. Aether will even feel her body jump and twitch a little — a clear sign that what he's doing is good.

Embarrassed, Melissa brings a hand to her mouth so she doesn't make any obscene noises. Her eyes also look away from her partner to avoid melting at the sight of him. Though her free hand does reach down to card through that fluffy blond hair of his.]

[Though her reactions are proof enough that he's doing a good job, the way she looks away causes him to briefly worry he's done something wrong. But the hand carding though his hair is all the reassurance he needs -- and perhaps, if he were still a catboy, he might've begun purring.]

[But he won't just be teasing her forever. With another soft kiss, he moves his hand up to tug the wet fabric aside, eyes taking in the sight of her. This time, the attention he gives is far more pointed -- drawing his tongue slowly between her folds, before homing in on her clit and swirling his tongue around it.]

[Perhaps if he keeps this up, she won't be able to hold back the pretty sounds she's trying so hard to deny him? He wants to hear just how good he's making her feel, after all. And if his lady can lose control of herself for even just a moment, then he'll consider it a job well done.]

[The swipe of his tongue, that warm and dexterous muscle, makes Melissa inhale sharply. Her fingers curl in his hair — unintentionally tugging a bit from his scalp. Gradually those thighs he braces his hands on spread. Inviting Aether to continue. No longer can she look away less she be surprised again by any advance.

She can feel the hot sensation of her own desire pooling in her core. Aching for more of Aether's ministrations. Each time he circles that sensitive nub she can feel her nerves come alive. Pleasure jolting up her spine before dissipating as a lovely warmth that makes her nothing but hungry for more.

A pleased hum resonates in her throat, and she drags her short nails gently along his scalp to encourage him.]

[The nails running along his scalp are just the cherry on top of an already delicious meal. He groans himself in response, fidgeting in place as he feels himself finally spilling out of those thin panties as he grows harder.]

[But he dare not touch himself, his focus entirely on his lady and seeing how much more control she'll lose as he drives her wild. She did say she'd grant him any wish for this, after all -- so he needs to make her feel good enough to match what he's doing to ask for himself.]

[Pursing his lips around her clit, he flicks his tongue over the top and gently sucks on it. And all the while, he starts to move one hand up, teasing two fingers between her folds to test her reaction. Only then will he push in, fingers curling inside her, testing what will feel best. He's running in blind here, but he doesn't feel any pressure with regards to his performance -- the benefits of it happening in a dream, perhaps.]

[To Melissa's surprise he really just goes for it! The pinpoint accuracy and the addition of his fingers are... sublime, really, but how does he know this!? Such questions are quick to fade, though. Her shock melts away with the warmth that comes as he continues to pleasure her.

Slightly trembling at the stimulation, Melissa's thighs begin to close around him without Aether's hands to brace her legs. She can feel herself climbing towards a peak — her muscles increasing with tension like a wire slowly coiled tight.

The nails on his scalp stop. She grabs on Aether's hair like reins as her hips begin to buck up into his mouth. Seeking more. More suction, pressure, friction. More of that lovely heat and the press of that hot tongue. She might make a mess of him, but who cares? She'll treat him right after this.

Gradually she gest more frenzied. A crease forms at her brows, her eyes become heavily lidded, and he gets what he wants. Desperate moans and soft little pleas of his name. She calls to him as she gets close — praising him in breathy whispers as she continues to strain herself to be quiet.]

[Be it because of his lower levels of experience or just the partners he happens to choose, few have ever really been rough with Aether in the bedroom. And it's truly a shame, because the way Melissa grips his hair and bucks into his lips, making it that much harder to steal a chance to breathe, is so enthralling that he almost feels he could come then and there.]

[Fighting to match her enthusiasm, his fingers move faster, pressing harder. Every word of praise that falls from her lips only spurs him on further. Was this something he's been craving for a while?]

[He can tell she's trying to hold back, but there's no need for it -- who is there to hear them? But if anything, he sees it as a challenge, wanting to give her so much pleasure that she couldn't hold back even if she wanted to.]

[It won't take him long to get Melissa there. As her arousal grows even higher her legs close around his head. All the muscles in her body feel like a bow strung taught. Everything reaching an unimaginable height of tension before finally, like a strike of lightning, it hits her.

Melissa's lashes flutter as she's blinded by white hot light. Her rigid hold on Aether releases as she cries out, and her whole body dissolves into lovely spasms of sweet release. Quickly she unravels and goes limp before him. Hands falling from his hair meanwhile her vision returns slowly and spotted with stars.

Her chest heaves. Deep, agonizing breathes as if she were holding it the entire time. It's wild. Every nerve in her body seems to sing.]

[Much as he wishes he could watch her fall apart from his touch properly, the view he does have is still breathtaking... literally, too, since she's practically holding him down with the way her legs close around him.]

[But he won't stop until she's fallen slack against the chair, lifting his head so he might smile up at her. But his fingers are still moving, slower now, working her through her orgasm as he feels her squeeze and twitch around them.]

How do you feel, my Lady?

[How in the world does he expect her to respond when he's still stimulating her?! What a cheeky little maid. She'll have to get him back for this. Aether's question will linger in the air until those shockwaves subside. Once she has completely finished Melissa swallows a breath before replying.]

Quite sated, thank you. Shall you tell me your wish as I recover?

[Only the cheekiest for Lady Melissa--]

[He pulls back his fingers then, once more sitting back so he's simply kneeling in front of her. His hair is a mess from how she was grabbing it earlier, and the way he's tenting his skirt is far from subtle, but he's still trying to stay polite and professional. Even as his dirty thoughts and desires fall from his lips.]

Yes, my Lady. Actually... I was hoping you might bend me over the chair you're seated on and have your way with me until my legs are too weak to stand.

[And because this is dream logic, suddenly there's a strap-on just sitting on a table in the room. Why is it glowing? Why is it shaped like that? Why is... there a price tag showing it's on sale?? Don't ask questions, it's dream logic!!]

[Goodness, that... certainly is a sight! After a minute to compose herself Melissa stands from her lounge chair to approach the imitation cock. And yeesh, look at that price! Cautiously Melissa touches it.]

That's some taste you have... but I did make a promise.

[Meanwhile, Aether played no part in making this particular piece of equipment appear, and he looks just as caught off guard by what it looks like. It's so weird and so big?? Somehow it's embarrassing enough that he seemingly breaks character for a moment.]

Only if you really don't mind! I-I mean, it doesn't have to be... that one.

[Yeah, that's what he says, but the look on his face says far more. Was he secretly a size queen this whole time and just didn't acknowledge it?? It sure would explain a thing or two about his usual taste in men.]

N-no, no! I promised. But, ah...

[Is there lube around here? Melissa looks around, but can't seem to find any.]

We might have to make it a little wet. We could do it together?

[Want to simulated oral together? Though what they both don't know is that if they touch the thing the dream will be over. No using the merch without paying!]

Together...

[Oh, his eyes light up at that. Would it count as an indirect kiss? With Lady Melissa?]

[...is he allowed to get flustered about that after literally eating her out?? Apparently.]

I would like that very much, my Lady.

[Well, in that case, he should really grab it so they can get started right? Which he does and--]

--hey!! What are you doing in Paimon's bed!? Wake up!

[Suddenly, a squeaky voice is commanding the two of the back into the waking world.]

[And in his sleep, Aether has cuddled up rather close to Melissa -- which is unfortunate for him, given the dream they just shared. He'll yeet himself off the futon in a second.]

[Melissa is slow to wake at first, but it does give her a few moments to recognize Aether is holding onto her. AND pressing a noticeable boner against her. Which she doesn't hold against him, she's heard morning wood is an involuntary thing, BUT — then there's Paimon. Rightfully shrieking about her occupied bed like a bear in a Goldilocks tale. Aether doesn't get to yeet himself out first because Melissa is lunging for the other side of the room.]

He said it was okay, I swear!

[He wakes as soon as he hears the unfamiliar voice alongside Paimon's, and soon he's throwing himself in the opposite direction, face red and -- trying very hard to hide his boner. Alas, it is not subtle.]

P-Paimon! I-- did I fall asleep here last night? I-I'm sorry, I must have more tired than I thought!

[The apology is of course directed at Melissa -- did she think he meant he sleep here in the same room with her?? How embarrassing.]

[Paimon keeps her little arm crossed, but her expression softens. She can recognize an honest mistake when she sees one. Still--]

[She turns her attention to Melissa first.]

Paimon doesn't mind if you sleep here, Miss... uhm, who are you?

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