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June | 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 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, with express routes connecting the two kingdoms. Additionally, teleportation terminals exclusively for Refugees can be found at the NRL and MRU, allowing instant travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. While this TDM and its prompts are focused on the Western Kingdom, you are welcome to have your character arrive in the Eastern Kingdom instead.
In Higashiyama, a new shop has opened selling enchanted candles, said to utilize a unique method of spell-casting by using thin wooden talismans as wicks. Only while the candle is lit will the spell function. And for refugees, they've developed a special variety that's designed to nullify the effects of passive magic -- essentially, an anti-kizuna candle. Although the area of effect is rather small, it does appear to work in temporarily nullifying all kizuna side effects while lit. But for those hoping for something more exciting, other scents include: a scent that alters a person's personality randomly, a scent that makes people intoxicated, and even a scent that can bring people to orgasm. Light all three at once for a wild time!
In Gion, the local Geiko of the Hanamikoji Okiya dorm are holding a special workshop for those interested in traditional culture. While the workshop itself is certainly worth watching, what they really need is volunteers to be dressed up on stage, dressed as traditional Geisha, or as the more risqué Oiran. But the best part comes after, in which all volunteers will be taken out on the town to bar hop through Gion's most exclusive district. Those dressed up will even be allowed to drink for free, in exchange for singing or dancing for other patrons.
In Uji, those who visit MRU's campus will be surprised to find a high number of Oni visiting from Kyushu. Although it's not uncommon to see Oni in Kyoto, these Oni are distinctly pure-blooded, their skin a vibrant shade of blue, which they show off by wearing sleeveless kimono, or simply going shirtless. It seems they've come to assist with Kizuna research, and as such, can be found curiously watching refugees, or asking to "bond" with them. For science, of course. Sure, it might be a little intimidating to have a seven-foot-tall blue muscle man asking if he can hold your hand, but they're perfectly friendly. Oddly enough, despite being natives, Kizuna side effects will always manifest when bonding with one, and they may even linger for longer than usual.
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.
Above The Trees
Sitting south of Kyoto, the city of Nara is a popular destination for refugees, given the city's almost magical appearance. Located around a forest of massive trees, most of the city proper extends up into them, vast canopies stretching from tree to tree with buildings and infrastructure built into them. With little light able to reach the forest floor, the streets of the lowest district are lit up with naturally occurring bio-luminescent flowers and mushrooms in place of streetlights.
After all the excitement last month, why not take some time to relax in one of Nippon's most peaceful regions?
Wildlife Strife Narashi, Nara
Although the West is well-known for living in harmony with the ayakashi, no where is that more true than Nara, where ayakashi are treated with the utmost reverence.
One of the more common ayakashi found 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 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.
But among all the ayakashi in Nara, 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. 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.
Thankfully, vendors selling special crackers for the saiwaika can be found everywhere. 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.
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.
Sweets in the Sky Narashi, Nara
In the highest levels of Nara's main district, Narashi, a new sweets shop has been drawing in customers from all over the west. Very few businesses are allowed in the highest level, which is usually reserved for shrines or particularly wealthy homeowners, as it's the only area that breaches the top of the forest. With outdoor seating, guests will be be able the see the rarest view in all of Nara -- a sea of green stretched out as far as the eye can see, with the city of Kyoto visible in the distance. Probably not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights.
In addition to some of the cutest parfaits this side of Nippon, their biggest claim to fame is their enchanted candy, each variety possessing one of a number of special effects. Children in particular are quite fond of the goofier ones, such as chewing gum that alters a person's voice, lemon hard candies that cause people to shrink in size, and little sugar stars that create illusions of fireworks over the consumer's shoulders.
They even have special varieties for adult customers, which include: lollipops flavored with uki, ice cream filled mochi flavored with uki, uki taffy, uki hard candies, uki ice cream... you get the idea. As with all sweets filled with uki, those who consume them will feel a mild and pleasant high, lowering inhibitions and reducing stress, and occasionally functioning as a mild aphrodisiac.
That said, please don't fuck in their bathrooms (looking at you, Kazuha). There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels in the lower streets of Nara.
Starry Night Narashi, Nara
Those who visited Nara last October may recall the serene waters of Sarusawa Pond, built into an artificial park within the trees, and one of the best places to view the stars in Nara. Visitors can climb up to the highest balconies of a nearby five-story pagoda, or watch the stars as they're reflected in the near mirror-like surface of the water. And thankfully, this month, it's entirely safe to do so (we don't talk about October).
A special meteor shower is taking place during the second week of the month, and as such, many locals have taken the opportunity to hold a small festival within the park around the pond. Throughout the day, stalls selling food and little trinkets line the edges of the park. But once night comes, all lights are turned off, as a spectacular view of shooting stars can be seen in the starry sky overhead. And better yet -- the ring that exists around the planet Gaia causes some of these meteors to grow rainbow tails as they shoot across the sky.
Among the crowd, some refugees may hear whispers of locals suggesting that one should make a wish when they see a meteor with a rainbow tail. And while this is just a local superstition, for the refugees, it'll be so much more than that.
Those present in the park will find that their wishes may very well come true. Material goods will suddenly appear in their hands, any aches or ailments will immediately be healed, and those who wish for the company of a good friend will find them seated next to them (provided they are in Nippon, or are an incoming castmate or auxiliary NPC, see the notes for details).
Unlike usual kizuna-powered wishes, these ones will 100% stick around! How nice! Even the locals, though perhaps a little jealous, will see this miracle as a sign that their world has accepted them, the gods wishing to reward them for any hardship they have faced.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's June 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.
• Uki-flavored treats are available for customers 15 and older, as the age of majority in the West varies based on race.
• All players are welcome to wish any item from home, magical or otherwise, using the meteor shower wishes. Keep in mind, the item must be something they can reasonably carry home with them.
• Players bringing a new character into the setting may have them wished into the setting using the meteor shower wishes. They will still recall a timeloop, but instead of a door, they will hear the voice of the character wishing them into the setting calling their name, and will appear in Nippon when they turn to look for that voice. These characters must visit either the NRL or MRU within the next few days to receive a proper bond with Nippon to ensure they don't disappear. Additionally, players may bring in Auxiliary NPCs using this mechanic as well. Keep in mind, these characters will remain in the setting, but you are not required to actively play them, nor add them to the auxiliary NPC page unless you wish to do so.
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
The very idea that there exists some sort of parallel universe, within which the roles of the twins are switched, brings forth a whole litany of possibilities. Where does it begin? Where does it end? How many branches are there, really? Perhaps there's even one where Celestia never...
Unaware of the complex feelings behind Aether's expressions, this is what he focuses on.]
Different timelines... I understand. So it's like that... how intriguing. [His expression does soften now, a thread of maybe-relief upon hearing that Lumine is here, too. Maybe, if he's honest, some of that relief is knowing that he doesn't have to walk on eggshells to maintain a strained relationship either.] I had certainly never considered that possibility...
[There's a sudden "ahem" behind him, and Zhongli turns to the shopkeep with a sheepish smile.]
... but it seems we've overstayed our welcome. Let us take a walk while we chat, shall we?
no subject
[He bows to the shopkeeper in apology -- a habit he's picked up with just how long he's been here -- and then turns to leave with Zhongli.]
[It's a strange feeling to be alongside someone so familiar, and yet not. While Zhongli may remember the same events as Aether, he remembers them with someone else, creating a strange disconnect between the two. Is this how Lumine felt all the time? Maybe he should have bought her some candy while he was there... he'll come back later.]
If you've only recently arrived, then is your first time here in Nara? I've been here for nearly a year now, and spend a lot of time in the West, so I've come to know the area pretty well.
no subject
It is, yes. I've been letting my feet carry me for the most part, as well as checking the local maps and the like. [his arms cross for a moment, a small smile breaking through. it's kind of... nice, isn't it? not having to worry about stepping lightly around Aether.] Are you offering to show me around? I would be grateful, if so. As you may know, I'm quite adept at finding my way - but a knowledgeable companion makes the work much simpler.
no subject
Of course, I'd be happy to! And... if you don't mind the differences in timelines making things a little strange-- I'd love the chance to get to know you again.
[It's a strange thing, really. The Zhongli in front of him should be more or less exactly the same as the one he remembers. Likewise, they both remember the same events, and bonded in the same way... just with Lumine, instead of Aether. But perhaps that meant it would simply be easier for them to become friends again?]
no subject
It would be remiss of me to decline simply because of the strange timelines. I'm quite naturally curious, as you know.
[It's going to take some effort, he's sure, reconciling the differences between this Aether and the one he knows - but that's ultimately worthwhile anyway. It's not as if he knows so much for sure that he could incidentally say something that's detrimental to his traveler, even if this one truly was the Abyss Prince and just hiding his identity for some reason.]
no subject
Great! I know a few places I'm sure you'll like -- have you been to Tenri yet? It's what they call the district on the forest floor. There's a really great tea shop there right next to one of the oldest temples in Nara, and since the sunlight can't reach that far, the whole area is lit up with these big glowing flowers!
[Though if they're going to stick to Nara, perhaps a quick rundown on ayakashi is in order. Because as they walk, a small procession of leggy bois begins strutting alongside them, seemingly fading into existence from nowhere.]
no subject
[folding all of his treats up in a small parcel, Zhongli is quick to match step with the other man, listening as he speaks.]
I'm quite interested in the temple you speak of - I take it you've learned about it in the past now? Luminescent flora is usually more common in underground locales, but I suppose I can see why they would choose to light someplace like that with them. I wonder precisely what breed of flowers they use...
[his wandering will take him there eventually, no doubt. and he's not bothered by the procession of leggy bois that fade into existence to follow them - without context on what they are, it seems simply that they're a normal enough circumstance. Nara is unlike anywhere in Liyue, after all, and he would never dare to presume a meaning for something he's never seen.]
no subject
[Random lore tidbit of the day]
But it's a little spooky to actually visit, so I've only ever gone into it once. There's a collection of paintings kept there that are cursed with a spell that apparently can make a person experience their worst fears. Thankfully they aren't on display very often...
[Meanwhile, their little tour group has grown, as even more arukibake begin to follow. One even appears sitting atop Aether's head, though he hasn't noticed it yet.]
no subject
Spooky, is it? I suppose I would have to see it myself, but as a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I'm inclined to think of such places as strange and wonderful. After all, fears drive us to examine ourselves and strive for something better.
[His gaze flicks briefly to the small creature on Aether's head, but it seems harmless. Given the topic of conversation, it still doesn't even strike him as that odd. It's almost reminiscent of the wisps of Wu Wang Hill, really.]
Many forget that we are the product of our decisions, our beliefs, and our steadfastness in the face of that which threatens to unravel us all.
no subject
[Normally, he'd just jump down and glide to the streets on the forest floor-- but it's probably more useful for Zhongli to be able to navigate normally. With such a massive vertical city, there's no doubt multiple different methods of traveling up and down -- this was just one of them.]
[Though it's not until he turns to hold the door for Zhongli that he notices the crowd of leggy bois, all of whom start shuffling into the elevator as well. There's only just going to be enough room for the two of them.]
[...]
I'm starting to feel a little like tour guide.
no subject
[the elevator is a new contraption to get used to, but at least he's not entirely unused to similar things even in Teyvat. we'll... we'll not talk about Zhongli finding other ways to get about. the pillars might cause some alarm.
in any case, he's rather amused when he takes strides into it and all the little arukibake shuffle on in with them. it's hard to say which of them they're following, of course, but in any case... at least there's enough room for them, even if it feels a little squeezy around their ankles.]
You make a fine one, in that case. Are these little creatures common here, then?
no subject
[He nods, petting one of the arukibake in the head, as the one atop his own flops onto it's back and aimlessly kicks its little leggies.]
They're called arukibake -- a type of creature called Ayakashi. Usually ayakashi are a little dangerous, but the ones in Nara tend to be pretty peaceful. Elsewhere, even looking at some of them can curse you.
[He hesitates for a moment, wondering whether to leave it at that. But as he notices the way the closest arukibake seem to nuzzling against him, he figures there's no sense in not mentioning it -- no doubt he'd hear about it sooner or later anyway.]
But these guys... they tend to follow people who've recently been depressed or lonely. So I think they're some of the nicer ones.
no subject
[As is his wont, Zhongli takes the information in stride, peering down at the creatures as they flock to Aether. Perhaps, there is a distant part of him that is jealous of Aether, alongside the part of him that understands. To be here with so many people he seemed so close to, and still to feel this way...]
It seems they are caring little creatures, indeed. I can imagine it makes things difficult though, being unable to be with your own thoughts freely.
[It's not like one can lie their way out of being followed by them. Still, he would have thought... no. It's not his place to question what happiness Aether derives from his circumstances, as they are.]
no subject
[They wouldn't have to look too far back, though it also makes him wonder how long one would have to be sad to catch their attention. For creatures that seemed so simple, they were more complicated than at first glance.]
But I'd still rather deal with these guys than something like a gurakurage. Those ones are common here in Nara, too, but they're awful.
no subject
[Not that far back, he thinks; there certainly aren't enough of them drawn to him to suggest that much. Peculiar things they are - and perhaps he'll have to give it some consideration.]
A gurakurage? That sounds ominous, coming from you. [It really is hard, shifting his narrative to fit in with Aether doing all the things Lumine has done in his memory... but he's making a valiant effort of it, and maybe it's worthwhile.] What makes them so terrible?
[Zhongli you buffoon, you have no idea.]
no subject
Well, they look like jellyfish made of glass. They aren't very big, and they can't do much except cling to you if you leave them alone. But if you accidentally make them mad in some way or injure them, they grow much bigger and start--
[How does he say this delicately? There's a flush to his cheek and a sour look on his face that says far more about his experiences than anything else really.]
...for lack of a better word: they're very perverted.
no subject
... I see. [hopefully never literally, he thinks.] they sound like truly... troublesome creatures.
[His recovery is swift as ever though - as they blaze their lackadaisical path onward, the former Archon is quick but thorough with his questions, clearly trying to cram as much information into one small tour as possible. It's not at all unpleasant, even if his guard is up a little more than usual.]