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October | Test Drive Meme
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You've seen this before. The thought strikes suddenly, during whatever it is you were doing. Having an important conversation? Running away from home? Dying in the midst of a fierce battle? Where ever you are, one things is true: you're certain this isn't the first time you've lived through this. But upon realizing this, that's when it happens. Like someone hitting rewind on the VCR, you're back where you were ten minutes ago. And it happens again. And again. And again--Until finally, something is different. A door stands in front of you. Will you go through it? Nothing else seems to be working, so this might be your only chance.
Upon opening the door and heading inside, a strange feeling overwhelms you. It's comforting and warm, like being enveloped in a soft, heavy blanket. You hear a voice murmuring in your ear, but it's unintelligible.
And in the next moment, you've appeared in front of a mysterious stone shrine in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of fox-like humans in red and white robes, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Maryouku University
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are transported to the nearby Maryouku University. All injuries are completely healed, and those under mental duress will have a powerful soothing spell cast on them to calm them down. Their every need is met: food is offered, and questions are answered. "You've arrived in the Western Kingdom of Nippon, on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "When you became aware of the timeloop, we... well, let us explain."
Orientation Maryouku University, Kyoto
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The Kitsune Yokai from before filter on stage, as well as a number of humans and other Yokai in labcoats. And after a brief introduction, they begin to explain. What they experienced back home was a timeloop. While the loops in their home worlds are smaller and likely to resolve on their own, the fact that such a small amount of time is being repeated is what makes them so dangerous for those who become aware of it. And they've been working around the clock, checking adjacent universes for others who've become aware. While the technical explanations may go over the heads of most, that's not the reason they were all brought together like this.
And they continue to explain: their own world was trapped in a year long loop for decades, if not longer. Through the use of an ancient form of bonding magic, they bound their world to the present flow of time, allowing it to progress past the timeloop. Or at least, that's how they thought it worked. In truth, Kizuna is very powerful reality-warping magic. And thanks to the powerful bond all refugees now share with the country of Nippon, the magic surrounding them will only continue to evolve.
Until a means of resuming the flow of time back in their home world is found, they'll just have to make due with this one. But not to worry, because Nippon is fully committed to taking care of the refugees!
A Brand New Home Kyoto, Kansai
Once orientation is over, characters will be allowed to choose housing in both Kyoto and Tokyo, enabling them the means of easily living between both cities if they please. These housing options will be fully paid for by the government of Nippon, with the NRL and MRU providing a stipend for food expenses in Tokyo and Kyoto respectively.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon! As of the beginning of May, express routes connecting Tokyo and Kyoto will be running at all times of day, allowing refugees to freely travel between the Eastern and Western Kingdoms.
At the Kiyomizu Temple in Higashiyama, preparations are underway for a festival coming at the end of the month. Refugees will hear talk of the locals trying to decide on what style mask they want to create, and at the Temple itself, they'll find craft booths offering free supplies for custom mask making. The masks must reflect what a person believes to be their inner self, and there's limitless supplies provided to bring their creation to light. It seems these are going to be really important later, so don't just half-ass it, okay?
Over at the dorms in Gion, a rather provocative game has broken out amongst the residents. Following a generous gift of prized sake from one of their patrons, the Geiko have decided to throw a party with the refugees, and somehow, this devolved into a competition of strip rock-paper-scissors. With just how many accessories the Geiko wear, they clearly have the advantage! But no one is talking it very seriously, and the night is filled with laughter and silliness. Join the fun? It's one hell of a way to make new friends!
In Uji, signs of autumn have taken over, as the famously rural neighborhood becomes filled with beautiful hues of red and yellow. At the Byodoin Temple, the monks have requested that all visitors bring offerings of colorful leaves for their resident Phoenix deity, who is known to drain the color from people who provide lackluster or incorrect offerings. However, it seems the phoenix is only interested in red leaves this season, and offering any other color will render the one making the offering temporarily colorblind. At least the effect only lasts about an hour? Such a picky bird.
NRL Time Refugee Support Network
Once they've received their housing assignment, all refugees will be given small handheld devices called magi-tech comms, or magi-comms for short. They're heavier than a conventional smartphone would be, but far sturdier, and powered by the ambient magic that flows through the city. They don't need to be charged, but they won't work outside of cities at all. Upon booting it up, they'll find a message linking them to a special channel for refugees.
#nrl_time_refugee_support - online
Use the following code for your top-level if you'd like! This is how network communication will look for characters in the game until more advanced magi-tech comms become available for characters.
A Tale of Two Festivals
As the leaves of autumn begin to change, so too are the refugees encouraged to change up their routine and pay a visit to the city of Nara. Located south of Kyoto, Nara is a city where Yokai and Ayakashi live in perfect equilibrium, with many aspects of life in the city adjusted to account for the Ayakashi's eccentric behavior. Likewise, the Ayakashi here are almost never known to curse anyone, and are generous in the blessings they offer both the people and the land in which they live.
Perhaps some are put off by the idea of a city where Ayakashi are allowed to flourish after past experiences with these strange creatures. But this month is special!
Starting on October 1st, the Tsukimi Festival is held every night after sundown for the next two weeks. Long ago, the gods gifted Gaia an enchanting string of pearls that entwined the planet, lighting up the night sky. However, the greed of mortals seeking power led them to fight over the pearls. As wars waged, the pearls would be shattered in the conflict, until only one remained. Seeing the way their gift was tarnished, the gods decided that those on Gaia would only be allowed to see the pearl in all its glory for part of the month, taking it away for the other half. This became the cycles of the moon, and the shattered remains of the other pearls formed the solid ring that is always visible in the night sky.
So what makes October so special? For this month only, the full moon will be completely visible for the first full two weeks of the month, never visibly waxing nor waning. But what happens after two weeks...? Well, you'll just have to be patient for that!
One With Nature Narashi, Nara
Nara is an interesting city. Buildings are seemingly hidden away by larger-than-life trees that tower overhead, with some even built into the trees themselves, and all of them brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow for the fall season. Lower streets and areas are lit up by special bioluminescent flowers that bloom on the lower sections of the tree's trunk. And while magic-powered lifts exist, the sheer number of elevated walkways and stairs make it a bit of a workout to explore. And of course, no matter where one looks, wildlife is around every corner -- though by and far, most of them are ayakashi. But there are no higanbana death flowers or dangerous tsutsumi-bara vines here. Instead, the refugees will has a chance to see more tranquil varieties ordinarily only found in the depths of Nippon's forests.
One of the more common creatures found in the main district of Nara, Narashi, is the Arukibake, the ghost-walker ayakashi. Utterly harmless, these little leggy ghosts can be found strutting around the city at every corner, ranging from the size of an apple to waist-height. However, they're known to be naturally attracted to people who have recently experienced bouts of depression or loneliness. The exact reason for this is unknown, but anyone seen with a small procession of these fellas marching silently behind them is certain to get more than a few concerned passer-bys offering them a warm meal, a hug, or even a shoulder to cry on if they need it. Even for the Western Kingdom, it seems the people of Nara are especially compassionate.
And then, there's the likes of the fuwakafun, the puffball ayakashi. No larger than your average cotton ball, these little guys are known to spread not pollen, but color as they move from flower to flower. And Nara, with its unique species of bioluminescent flower that blooms all year round, has no shortage of flowers even during the fall season. Should the fuwakafun land on someone's hair or clothing, it'll fade to take on the color of whatever flower the fuwakafun was resting in before. Ordinarily this effect is meant to create rare flowers as a gift for those who allow the fuwakafun to live in their garden, but with more fuwakafun than flowers, they've got to make do with what they have.
But for all that the Ayakashi in Nara are peaceful, there are still more than a few troublemakers. One in particular to look out for is the gurakurage, the glass-jelly ayakashi. Appearing in an array of beautiful colors, these ayakashi are attracted by greed and feelings of lust. It's not uncommon to see them tethered by a string in shops, where their increased activity serves as a warning to look out for shoplifters. But when encountered in the wild, these strange jellyfish will latch onto the bodies of people experiencing sexual frustration. A minor annoyance to be sure, as they can simply be peeled off, but just don't break the glass dome atop their head. Doing so will greatly anger the ayakashi, causing them to grow in size before... well. I think we all know where the prompt with the tentacle creature is going.
Dear Deer Narashi, Nara
While Nara is known for its high population of Ayakashi, the most well-known is the Saiwaika, the good-fortune deer. Growing no more than two feet high, these miniature deer can be found in parks throughout Nara, where they've become so docile and used to the presence of Yokai that they'll walk right up and cutely beg for food. Thankfully, vendors selling special crackers for the saiwaika can be found everywhere.
Being around the saiwaika has an interesting effect. Those who look upon their tiny, dainty forms will find themselves strongly compelled to be generous and kind to every living creature they meet. Originally a defense mechanism against predators, the saiwaika instead offer this power as a blessing to the people of Nara, which is said to have the lowest crime rate of any city in the Western Kingdom. Even cruel or downright evil folks will find their hearts filled with warm feelings, offering to buy their worst enemy lunch, help a little old lady cross the street, or maybe even offer some more of those tasty crackers to the deer...
All right, so there's a little bit of an ulterior motive to their blessing. But you can't deny they're very cute. However, they really do have a certain craving for these crackers. And while they've learned not to steal them off the stall tables, once the wrapping comes off, it's a free-for-all. The tiny deer have been known to swarm, nibbling at the clothes of those bearing the treats. Some even attempt to jump and steal them, with the saiwaika being well-known for its ability to leap nearly ten feet into the air. Yes, this looks as silly as you can imagine.
Perhaps its because of this that a common prank played by children in Nara is to slip a few crackers into an unsuspecting friend's pocket, causing the deer to hungrily swarm without the target knowing why. Shouldn't their blessing counteract these pranks...? Well, if the saiwaika is getting fed, is it really such a bad thing?
Behold The Pearl Narashi, Nara
Given the name of the festival, it should come as no surprise that the chief activity performed during the festival is simply observing the moon with good company and plenty of food every night. Its radiance will only grow brighter as the festival continues, the light reflecting off the ring that surrounds Gaia and causing it, too, to glow every night, occasionally releasing rainbow-colored bursts of magical energy only visible during Tsukimi.
For the best views, Sarusawa Pond in Narashi is widely considered to be the optimal location for moon-viewing parties. Food and drink stalls can be found lining the pathways that circle the pond, and with the backdrop of a five-story pagoda lit up by moonlight, it's also known as one of the most romantic spots in Nara.
But while there are plenty of places to sit and gaze up at the moon on the shore, the real celebrations occur on small boats that sit silently upon the water. Only allowed to sail at a certain hour before sundown, those hoping for a proper moon-viewing best board early. And once the boat has parked on the pond, a Mizu spell is used to still the water, causing a mirror-like image of the moon and the stars above to reflect upon its pristine surface.
But aside from being very beautiful, there are a number of superstitions associated with this practice. It's said that one should never stare at their own reflection in the water, or else they may see their reflection begin to twist and mutate into a monster. While limited to just their reflection, the effects of this spell may cause erratic or animal-like behavior when standing in the moonlight, with some becoming prone to acting on their every impulse, no matter how rash. It's not uncommon for at least one party-goer to make the mistake of staring too long, before throwing themselves in the shallow pond and thrashing about wildly. Unfortunately, the effects of this will linger until the festival ends on the 14th. Better bring an umbrella for tomorrow's Tsukimi.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's October TDM! The TDM is considered game canon, and also serves as the intro log! That said, whether you choose to carry threads over to the game or not is up to you!
• Current players are more than welcome to top-level, or take prompts from the TDM and use for their own logs! This may change in the future depending on how busy TDMs become.
• CRAU characters may start regaining their CRAU memories one month after the TDM. However, vague feelings of familiarity are allowed between previous game CR! For more on this, please read the FAQ!
• You do not need to sign-up for housing! Choose whichever style you prefer, in both Kyoto and Tokyo. Roommates can be chosen by the characters or can be random. If you want to switch housing later, your character has the option of moving at the beginning of each month.
• While you do not need to thread the mask-making prompt if you don't want to, these masks will become important for the event later in the month, so choose your designs carefully!
• The full moon will be visible in the night sky from everywhere in Nippon for the first two weeks of October. While Tsukimi celebrations can be found everywhere, the sister festival to this one is unique to the Kansai region, and will be explained in more detail in the event later in the month.
• Characters who have their reflection mutated by the pond's spell will retain a monster-like appearance when they look into a mirror or reflective surface until the festival ends on the 14th. This effect is for their reflection only.
• Similarly, whether their reflection becomes monstrous in a frightening way, or monstrous in a sexy way, is completely up to you. The change can be subtle or dramatic, and those around them will be able to see the changes!
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Apps are always open!
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no subject
[Kaeya looked at Aether and then back at the old man. This was precisely why he didn't venture into the waters himself and he wasn't sure he wanted to do so in the future (spoiler: he does).]
I'm sure it wasn't that bad. What did you see?
no subject
[There's a very brief moment where he glances around, checking to make sure no reflective surfaces are too close by. Seeing his reflection now won't do anything, but it's spooky enough that he'd rather no one see it.]
[Of course, one of the booths nearby does have a little glass window if Kaeya is curious enough to walk them in that direction.]
I don't remember it too well until I got into the shade, but... I know I challenged everyone on the boat to a fight. And the only one who took me up on it was the five year old whose toy I was trying to fish out of the water in the first place.
[Still making a face, but this time he can laugh a little.]
...she beat me in two seconds, by the way. Don't fight Yokai.
no subject
Well, you've always seemed feisty enough to me on a normal day, I suppose it isn't a surprise that got dialed up to a hundred if something is enhancing it. [He did, however, smirk here.] I would have loved to see the two second fight, though. It isn't often I see you lose.
[He reached out to pat and lightly ruffle Aether's hair, even if it wasn't with the usual gusto from before.]
1/2
I don't know how exciting it would have been to watch. She basically threw me back to shore into an instant. If her parents hadn't apologized, I wouldn't have even known what happened.
["Threw" is not literal here but it's a pretty funny mental image.]
no subject
[But also: blowing so strongly towards the two of them that even Kaeya might find himself almost lifted off the ground -- while Aether's umbrella is jerked from his hands and blown away.]
[And yet Aether doesn't seem to react -- only staring up at the moon the moment its light touches him with an almost vacant expression.]
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Once it was over, the ice faded to vapor and he looked at Aether. He saw the vacant expression and gave a tentative shake to his shoulder. Was he going to have to fight Aether?]
...You alright?
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[And proceeds to throw his arms around him, outright nuzzling his cheek against Kaeya's chest.]
[It's hard to say which action caused it -- Kaeya reaching out to keep Aether upright in the face of the wind magic, or the hug itself. But in any case, the hug brings with it a flood of warm feelings, as his hair immediately begins to fade into a blue tint once more. Even the environment around them seems affected, as illusions of calla lilies and windwheel asters pop up from the ground around them.]
[The bond may not be as strong as it was once was -- but given this is an urge that Aether's been fighting since seeing Kaeya again, it's no wonder it was able to bring the two frayed edges of their bond together to become whole once more.]
no subject
His body all at once relaxed once he realized what happened, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and his arms wrapped around Aether's slim shoulders. It was admittedly a little scary that something that had broken so horribly could also be fixed so easily. Kaeya didn't desire to feel that again. But he wasn't going to question it for now, all too happy to have the bond mended together at all.
He let one of his hands rest at the back of Aether's head, stroking his hair.]
Now, now. [His tone turned playful.] Did the angry old man scare you that much? I must admit, having you in my arms to protect you certainly does my ego some good~.
no subject
[Literally.]
[Because even after some of the Kizuna effects fade as their bond levels out to a normal baseline, Aether will still be happily clinging away, nuzzling against Kaeya with the occasional happy little sigh.]
no subject
Perhaps we should take this elsewhere, hm? We are in the way, Aether.
[He wasn't opposed to this, Kaeya clung to Venti a lot when they were together. But the moon was out and the captain had a feeling it wasn't just because their bond had mended.]
no subject
[His voice sounds a bit dreamy, almost sleepy in a way. He's really not all there at the moment. Though despite this, he has an iron grip around Kaeya. And it's not like Kaeya isn't already aware of just how strong Aether's arms can be. He won't be able to just push him off.]
no subject
Kaeya wasn't exactly in the mood to fight Aether and his iron grip around his waist. He did, however, get his arms under Aether's with a little effort so he could just pick him up like a child. He wasn't going to be surprised his Aether wrapped his legs around him in response.]
Guess I have to do all the work around here. Let's go.
[It was a dramatic sigh, but Kaeya still laughed as he began to walk towards a spot out of the way of foot traffic and vendors. If Aether wanted to sit here and cuddle, it would be best to do so without the crowd.]
no subject
[But this was honestly much better, since it means he can bury his face into the crook of Kaeya's neck. He feels warm and comfortable, and sees absolutely nothing wrong with this situation at all -- and why would he? Look, he's so happy he's sparkling.]
[...honestly, a few people are probably giggling as they pass by.]
no subject
Once they were in a less crowded area, Kaeya deliberately grabbed Aether's bottom and squeezed.]
Are you going to cling all night, Aether? Or is this in retaliation for making you carry me back at the Port Market? I'm afraid you won't win this time~
no subject
[But also: he seems to be very sincerely considering this line of questions, as if they were meant to be answered legitimately??]
...yes, no? And-- I already won! So you're my prize.
[Gonna punctuate this with a nuzzle against Kaeya's neck that most definitely includes a little smooch.]
no subject
[You know what, screw it. Kaeya was going to head towards the inn he was staying in while he kept Aether talking. Along with giving those firm buttocks another squeeze.]
1/2
[Which is why, despite the ever-growing horny presence in Kaeya, Aether pulls back just enough to smile ever-so-sweetly up and him and just--]
Because all I wanted was you. And now I have you in my arms again. What else would this be, if not a victory?
no subject
...but I guess that makes us both winners, huh. Cause you wanted me too, right? So that makes me your prize!
no subject
Not to mention saying things like that with... well, okay, he didn't exactly have a straight face. He was definitely under the influence of the moon, but it also wasn't like the statement was untrue. Their bond wouldn't have restored otherwise.
He sighed ruefully, unable to keep the playful tone after that particular sentence.]
I did. I do. [And okay, he was going to take advantage of the fact that Aether's face wasn't buried in his neck to hike him up just a little higher and plant a deep kiss on those dazed lips.] And I'm going to keep my prize for the evening.
[He pulled back so he could let go with one hand to open the sliding door to the inn he was staying in tonight, only giving a slight wave to the owner within as they left the moonlight and entered the establishment. His hand went right back to that ass.]
no subject
[He happily returns the kiss, perhaps with just a bit more hunger than he might expect with just how sweet he's acting. Even as he pulls back from it, his expression hasn't changed--]
[And it won't, until they get inside.]
[The process is gradual. At first, he just seems to go vacant again. But just as Kaeya opens the door to his room and gets them both inside, his expression abruptly changes, cheeks going scarlet as he's smacked in the face with the realization of what he's been doing since they left the pond.]
[Or perhaps more accurately, what Kaeya's hands have been doing. It's like his boner was on a time delay, only popping to life once the moon's influence has fully left him.]
...d-did you have to do that the whole walk here?
no subject
That is, until he watched that face turn bright red and a certain something poked his stomach. That grin of his was back on his face and he shut the door with a loud 'thack', locking it and giving Aether’s ass another firm squeeze and a massage.]
Yes, yes I did and I must say that was admirable control you had. Too bad it seems to not have lasted.
[He leaned down once more only this time, his teeth sought that sensitive spot on Aether’s neck while he knelt down at his futon to finally lay the young man down.]
Time to take my prize~.
no subject
[Who needs self-control when he can work his way into being carried the whole way here? But at least this time, it didn't end with someone straining both their arms...]
[His face is still red, but there's a smile on his face now. To think, he'd get to connect with Kaeya again so easily. Maybe he should follow his impulses more often.]
[He tilts his head to give Kaeya room to mark him up, his arms reaching around Kaeya's shoulders as his hand muss his hair -- taking care to avoid disturbing his eye patch at all.]
Then take me. I'm all yours tonight.
no subject
He was also thankful Aether was mindful of the eyepatch, it was brand new after all.]
Good, because I don’t plan in letting you leave this room anytime soon.
[He retook Aether’s lips, wanting that sweet connection again before he made sure the traveler wouldn’t be able to do any traveling tonight.
I couldn’t help myself]no subject
[His clothes are all too easily pulled away, quickly leaving him far more exposed than Kaeya. There's definitely an eagerness here -- a rush to feel that connection again and be as close to Kaeya as he physically can, as if to make up for the time and hurt they were both dealing with while apart.]
[He parted his lips as Kaeya leaned in for a kiss, a groan already rising from the back of his throat out of sheer need. It hadn't been very much teasing on their way here, and yet he felt like he was already hard. Was this the kizuna, too? Or was he just that pent up between missing Kaeya and readjusting to living with his sister and not really getting much alone time for-- yeah, he's pent up.]
no subject
He reluctantly pulled away to shrug off his own clothes, making sure to set the bottle of oil to the side for now as he piled his clothes with the traveler's. Then, he placed both of his hands on either side of Aether's head, his knee pressing between pale thighs to rub at the arousal there. He smirked.]
Tell me what you want me to do.
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