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February | Test Drive Meme
Jikan Test Drive MemeMinimize
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 a laboratory, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of people in lab coats, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Nanjikan Research Laboratory
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are ushered out of the arrival room. They're passed between a medical and a psychiatric team, checking them for injuries and psychological trauma. Their every need is met: food is offered, injuries are tended to, and questions are answered. "You're in a country called Nippon on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "You were brought here because you became aware of the timeloop... we'll explain everything."
Orientation Nanjikan Research Lab, Tokyo
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The scientists and doctors from before file on stage, thoroughly explaining the situation. 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, it appears to be magic capable of distorting reality itself. But by the time they realized this was the case, they had already begun the process of rescuing others from similar worlds using that very same magic.
Until they find the means of resuming the flow of time back in your home world, you'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 Place to Call Home Tokyo, Kanto
Once orientation is over, characters will be given one of three options for housing. Housing will be paid by the government of Nippon until they decide to move elsewhere, with NRL providing a stipend for food expenses.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon!
Refugees arriving at their apartments in Nihonbashi will be making a horrifying discovery. Nestled just above their balcony are numerous pigeon nests -- but not just any pigeon nests. These are Rattle Pigeons, a common bird found in just about any city of Nippon. These birds get their names from the ominous rattle-like sound they produce when eating, which is often associated with bad omens. They're completely harmless otherwise, but it might make it a bit hard to sleep with "rattlesnakes" in the eaves.
Over in Little Edo, refugees living in their shared houses will be met with colourful gift baskets at their door, courtesy of their native Nippon-jin neighbors. Each basket contains a variety of rice crackers, sweets, and winter fruit. But one in particular will have a little note wrapped around it -- "wine fruit, for the grown-ups". True to its name, it's a very juicy fruit with a wine-like aftertaste. The reason being that it's naturally fermented in a way to make the entire fruit very alcoholic, causing drunkenness with only a few bites.
And in Yoshiwara, refugees assigned to the dorms will have to put up with a power outage affecting most of the neighborhood. For a neighborhood that usually never sleeps, it's downright eerie to see it go completely dark. Better find someone to cuddle up with until they fix the power. It's going to be a long, chilly night.
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
Just as the linked "website" states, once a character clicks the provided link, they'll find a message on the network seemingly posted under their name, stating exactly what was on their mind twenty-three minutes earlier. Clicking the link again will repeat this process infinitely, but it will not work if shared by anyone else. Did you know magical computer viruses exist?? Because apparently magical computer viruses exist.
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.
It's A Living
While the NRL may be providing shelter and food expenses, those hoping to do a little more with their time in Nippon should start thinking about getting a job! Thankfully, the economy is booming in Tokyo, and there's no shortage of work to be found. You might even find yourself doing something you love!
Or lovingly tolerate, at least.
Shopping Spree Shibuya, Tokyo
For those looking to pump up their wardrobe before setting out into the job market, they'd be best heading towards the neighborhood of Shibuya. Much like its modern counterpart, Shibuya is home to dozens of clothing stores and other retail storefronts. And one department store in particular is offering something special to all refugees: free vouchers for up to three new outfits in their latest fashion department.
But while browsing and trying on clothes, they might start to feel a little strange. After one hour, they'll be starving, as if they hadn't eaten all day. In two, they'll start feeling exhausted, as if they've pulled an all-nighter. And should they make it to three hours, they'll start feeling horrible, dizzy and hungry without any cause or explanation. Fearing a possible gas leak of some kind, eventually the whole building is evacuated -- only to find a rather large presence of Samurai officers and worried family members waiting outside.
It seems a very dangerous time surge struck the building, causing time to pass much slower on the inside. Every hour spent inside shopping translated to one full day outside it. And unfortunately, this one didn't affect their bodies. While it only feels like it's been three hours, in reality, they've all gone without food, water, or sleep for up to three days.
Everyone is offered food and water, as well as possible medical treatment if needed. And of course, the building is immediately shut down. Good thing those vouchers don't expire, at least?
Sakura Saku Yoshiwara, Tokyo
Refugees living in Yoshiwara should by now be used to the sight of raunchy or otherwise lascivious businesses opening up late at night around the neighborhood. While arts and entertainment ruled the daylight hours, at night, the grounds became known as Tokyo's red light district. Incense laced with special aphrodisiac, just barely strong enough to entice customers into their businesses, were a common staple along the streets at night.
But something was different today. Today, one of those businesses was open during daylight hours -- and they seem to be very keen in drawing in as many refugees as they can. The business in question is a host club called Sakuranbo. And they're not looking for customers right now: they're looking to hire.
It's really not a bad gig. And for month of February, all refugees will have the opportunity to work there under a trial-only basis, working only as much as they want. Jobs range from serving drinks, to live comedy or musical performances, and of course, private sexual performances. But when the owner promises refugees will never be touched by anyone they don't want, she means it. After all, Sakuranbo is first and foremost a voyeur's club. Customers watch sexual performances through a shoji screen or, for a sizable fee, they can poke a hole in the screen and watch directly.
It may not be the sort of work any refugee would choose to jump on, but seeing as all positions receive the same wage, and it is the highest paying job in Yoshiwara, it might be worth spending a day or two to give it a shot.
Slippery Salamander Nihonbashi, Tokyo
For those hoping to pass through Nihonbashi, it seems they might be waiting for a little while. A great Nippon salamander has found its way into the canals below the bridge from which Nihonbashi gets its name. Roughly the size of train car, the salamander appears to be trapped under a section of the bridge, and is very unhappy about it. It thrashes around violently, causing earthquake-like tremors that extend all throughout the neighborhood. Fearing a collapse, the Samurai officers on patrol are enlisting the help of everyone and anyone to try and evacuate the buildings that are located on that section of the bridge. And of course, one of those happens to be where some of the refugees have been living.
Unfortunately, killing it isn't an option. As a nearby spectator explains, they're virtually immortal and can regenerate even from near total incineration. And it's not like it's the salamander's fault it got stuck here! Killing such a long-lived creature would be cruel. But refugees are free to attempt other means of soothing the beast, at least. Perhaps if they can get it to stop struggling, it'll calm down long enough to evacuate everyone safely.
Eventually, the specialists are called in: the Hanzaki Clan, one of the many hunter clans in Nippon. When it comes to dealing with dangerous beasts and monstrous ayakashi, they're second to none! It seems the process of removing the salamander will be an icky one: it produces a thick, gelatinous coating around its body when it's stressed, and they'll need volunteers to help carve it off with specialized safety shears to free it. It's sticky, gooey, and gets just about everywhere -- but anyone who sticks around to help will be offered to join the Hanzaki if they think they'd enjoy the work. They promise -- it won't always be this nasty. But before looking towards new employment opportunities, might be a good idea to hit up one of Tokyo's many public baths to wash off the slime. Yuck!
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's February 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. 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 the owner of Sakuranbo is earnest in wanting to help the refugees make a living without forcing them to sell their bodies, she's not above attempting to coerce them into sexual performances after she's earned their trust. These performances will always be alone or with fellow employees, and never with customers. This is an option for players who want to play the prostitution angle, but have characters who would not be open to it.
• Characters who leave the department store in the first or second hour will leave to discover that they lost one day or two days respectively. But there won't be any officers and medical help waiting on the outside. Attempting to re-enter will cause them to somehow arrive at the end of the third hour, no matter when they originally left.
• Clothing vouchers can be redeemed a week after the initial incident when the time surge disappears and the shop re-opens. For an idea of what sort of fashion exists in Nippon, here is a general idea!
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Reserves and Apps are always open!
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no subject
Even with a long-term plan he would have shown himself by now.
[And... Yukio knows what the answer will be, with that outfit and that reaction and how his brother is avoiding looking at him. But he asks anyway, because he has to know for sure.]
What happened during your time loop?
no subject
Christ. He knows anyway. Rin knows he knows. He's just doing that thing he does when he asks questions he already knows the answer to. He starts stirring again and speaks]
... We came to rescue you. You shot me. Sword broke. [his voice hitches] Th-then it starts over. [yeah. That's when it starts over. Definitely then and not after immolating. He pauses, then seems to pull himself together. Can't be weak, especially not in front of Yukio] What about you?
no subject
And Yukio remembers, suddenly, exactly what Rin said in that other world.]
Shit. [He says, quiet under his breath.
And then he recovers from it, continues. His voice is steady.]
I'm from a few days later. I'd just succeeded in taking down the Illuminati's headquarters, but I think Lucifer escaped. I was working on getting rid of Satan, and then you showed up to yell at me.
no subject
I... showed up? A few days later? But... [how is that possible? Rin was sure he was reliving the moments before his death in that loop. How could anyone come back from that?]
no subject
When Satan broke the koma sword, it broke the seal on your powers, and your demon half. [He's had to put this together himself, with what little he knows. He wants to scream. He wants to rip his own eye out. That wasn't supposed to happen, not to Rin.]
It's something you could, and did, recover from.
no subject
[He guesses it makes sense. Breaking the sword breaks the seal, and without the seal... Well. That explains all the burning. Without the protection of Kurikara's barrier, his physical body just couldn't withstand the flames.
But how could he ever come back from that? Sure, he's healed from some very severe wounds, but can he even regenerate from a pile of ash?] I don't know how that's possible.
[and it hurts too much to think about, so he changes the topic!!]
Wait wait wait. Why is Satan hanging out in your eyeball anyway?!
no subject
But he has to explain. He has to explain something more, and he already talked to Rin about it before, so it's somehow coming more easily.]
But that's why I had to leave. I had to figure out what Satan was doing, and why the Illuminati were so interested. They've always been interested in my eye so I knew they wouldn't kill me right away, which gave me the chance to take them down from the inside. And they've been doing more research on possessions than anyone else, so it was the best chance I had at getting rid of him.
no subject
[he trails off, losing steam in his rant. He sighs, then gives Yukio a weak smile] I knew you had some kind of plan, though. Heheh! My little brother is so smart...! Those Illuminati guys don't even know what hit 'em, I bet. [he pouts, but he's feeling better about the situation already] Didja really have to shoot me in the head, though? It hurts!!
no subject
My little brother is so smart he says, and Yukio laughs, sort of, overwhelmed and shaken. This isn't how it went, last time he tried to explain to Rin. I knew you had some kind of plan.
He shakes his head, doesn't know what sort of expression he's making but it feels like sort of a smile because he can't, he can't let himself do anything else.]
I-- I knew if I didn't stop you, you'd follow me. [That's what Rin does. Rin's always trying to save him, even when he shouldn't be saved.]
... I'm sorry for shooting you in the head.
no subject
Rins can be hard to predict. Their low intelligence means that their current state of emotional wellbeing impacts their reactions quite a bit.
He laughs a bit and sets the wok down properly so he can grab a couple of bowls]
It's no problem. I forgive you. But uh... sounds like I followed you anyway, ehehe. I just wish you didn't think you had to do all this stuff by yourself... But I guess spy missions are easier alone. I wouldn't know, though, I'm not stealthy at all!
[he puts a portion of fried rice in each bowl, and offers one with chopsticks to Yukio] Now. You want some hot food, or what?
no subject
Instead, he takes the bowl of rice (carefully, without dislodging Kuro) and sits down.]
Thank you for the food.
no subject
For all of Yukio's careful maneuvering, Kuro still jumps off his shoulder and onto the table, yowling at Rin]
Of course! And hold on Kuro, I'm getting you some, too. [he sets his bowl on the table, then gets a shallow dish for a cat-sized portion of rice.] There. It's hot, be patient.
[Kuro meows something that might be "Thanks for the meal!!" then starts blowing on his portion. Rin sits down and takes a bite of his food]
Oh! So... I was kinda... spaced out... when they tried to tell us about the magic that brought us here...? Ehehe... Can you maybe... give me the dumbed-down version?
no subject
Yukio takes some careful bites of his own rice. This is... nice. Rin's cooking is always nice.
A few fluffy snowflakes fall from somewhere, Yukio doesn't notice them sticking in his hair.]
We don't have enough information on it yet. But it's what brought us here, and broke us out of the time loops. It's some kind of bonding magic, it gets stronger the closer people are.
no subject
Bonding magic?? [he says through a mouthful of rice] What does that have to do with time loops? I don't get it!!
[Kuro, on the other hand, has noticed the snowflakes, and stares at Yukio with wide eyes. Then he climbs back on Yukio's shoulder and swats at them]
no subject
Well, by using kizuna to bond all of us to the world they--
[Kuro will be met with a few more snowflakes, as he watches. And then he jumps on Yukio's shoulder.]
Kuro? [A snowflake settles on Kuro's nose.]
no subject
... why is it snowing in here? It's not that cold...
no subject
Sorry, that's... probably me. [Why does he make snow flurries???? (It's because he's happy and a little bit of snow is cute and kind of cozy).]
Kizuna can make unusual things happen, if someone has a bond with someone else. I keep making it snow inside, but it's stronger than usual. Probably because we're brothers.
no subject
It's kind of crazy... so this Kizuna magic can do stuff like that, too? Wild!
no subject
It can. I know of at least one person who grows cat ears. It will be interesting to see what happens to you and Kuro.
no subject
Cat ears!! Even MORE cute! [he pauses, looking at Kuro] Ah... You know, I didn't think about it, but I guess Kuro must be affected by that magic too. What if he grows human ears? ... That'd look super weird.
no subject