#also Miraland came first

[sakurapika]

Hi everyone! I'm glad to see that this post was useful. I've updated the guide with some new information. Shoutout to @biichama for letting me know about the new trailer, which released the new names of the other countries in Miraland! :)

A (possibly) helpful guide to the Nikki-verse for Infinity Nikki Players

Although it’s not at all necessary to know the lore of the previous games (Love Nikki, Shining Nikki), here is some info that you might benefit from if you’re joining the fandom with Infinity Nikki!

❄️General Info:

Love Nikki, Shining Nikki, and Infinity Nikki are all stand-alone games with self-contained stories, but they have some commonalities that I will get into later.

Love Nikki has a 2D art style, and is where many of us "veteran" players began our journey. Shining Nikki has both 2D and 3D art. Both of these games are stunning, so check them out!

Before Love Nikki, there were two other dress-up games in this series that did not involve being transported into a magical world. However, these games are less well-known (kind of like the earlier Persona games, haha…), and not much is known about them, especially to international fans.

The developers of the game are Chinese, so expect to get a lot of goodies around Lunar New Year and other major Chinese holidays!

According to Shining Nikki, our main character is around 19 years old and went to college before getting transported to Miraland. Her birthday is December 6, which is why Infinity Nikki came out last week and why we got a free outfit (we’ll get a new one every year!)

Nikki's Chinese name is Nuan Nuan, how cute!

Momo claims he’s not a cat, but a member of the “Momo Clan” (Love Nikki). He was a little annoying in Love Nikki, but he’s more endearing in later games.

Nikki and Momo are the only recurring characters in the franchise.

If you keep hearing names like "Kimi" and "Nidhogg," these are characters from Love Nikki. Kimi is the closest character we have to a canon love interest for Nikki, so many of us are hoping to see her again. I can't say much about Nidhogg without spoiling LN, but at least you now know where the name is from.

In Love Nikki, there is a "blood curse" that prevents people from using violence. Therefore, people often resolve conflicts by entering styling battles and destroying each other with the power of a good outfit! I can't remember if this rule carries onto Shining Nikki (the prequel of Love Nikki, though it came out after), but that's basically why all battle mechanics are related to dressing up.

The biggest advice I can give as a veteran is: Don't bother with trying to make a visually cohesive outfit for styling battles unless you have a lot of clothing. We've all tried it. It won't work. For now, just layer on everything that has high stats. You're always free to wear your fashionable outfits during regular gameplay.

❄️Worldbuilding

The world that Nikki has been transported into is called Miraland.

Miraland is composed of seven kingdoms, each with their own distinct fashion style. That means that if you do not like the style of clothes we’ve been seeing so far in Infinity Nikki, do not worry! They’ll have everything eventually.

For some reason, they changed the names of the countries in Infinity Nikki, and I’m not sure why. I'm 99% sure that the Heartcraft Kingdom that we are in right now is supposed to be the equivalent of Lilith/Ninir in previous games because they mention Cicia Art Academy (a place that already existed in Lilith in LN, as well as Ninir in SN).

The seven kingdoms are:

🎀Lilith/Ninir/Heartcraft Kingdom: In the older games, it was known mostly for fairytale-inspired clothing and lolita fashion, with the occasional “pastoral” suit. It looks like Heartcraft Kingdom in Infinity Nikki has been leaning more into the pastoral aesthetic, but Nonoy’s outfit seems to be in the lolita style. Also, the suits we have been crafting so far for catching bugs and petting the animals is at least lolita-inspired. (People who wear lolita fashion, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Chinese version of this fashion is a lot more loose with the rules than the Japanese version I am more familiar with). This kingdom is always the first to be introduced in these games. Expect drama to follow whenever we get introduced to the royal family of this kingdom…it always happens.

🐉Cloud Empire/Lanling Empire: Known for traditional and modern Asian fashion. A vast majority of the fashions are going to be inspired by Chinese fashion, so if you’re a fan of period dramas or xianxia, you’re in luck! Aside from hanfu and qipao, they also usually have several kimono and the occasional hanbok. (Due to some controversies in Shining Nikki relating to conflicts between China and Korea, however, I’m not sure if the developers will continue to add hanbok in future games). Love Nikki also included some outfits for Chinese ethnic minorities like the Miao, Indonesian-inspired clothing, and Vietnamese ao dai if I remember correctly. All games also have at least one Peking Opera costume—it’s like an industry staple. However, unfortunately, Southeast Asian representation is usually sparse. Overall, Cloud Empire is usually the second kingdom to be introduced in the game, so I’m sure we’ll see it in an update around Lunar New Year. Maybe we’ll go along with Tan Youyou, depending on how the story will go.

👠Apple Federation/Starhail Federation: Known for streetwear, high fashion, and casual clothing (like what you’d wear on an average day). I think Dada and Bebe’s outfits would be classified as Apple, even though they live in Heartcraft. Unlike the rural towns we have seen so far, Apple tends to be a very urban, city-based environment.

👑Pigeon Kingdom/Twinmoon Kingdom: Known for European fashions, including fairy costumes, witch/sorcerer outfits, Rococo dresses (with long skirts, compared to the lolita style in Lilith/Ninir/Heartcraft), and anything else you’d expect to see in a Western fantasy or period drama. Funnily enough, there is always at least one scene in the Pigeon Kingdom that has to do with a cathedral, so expect some fashions with gothic and Catholic-inspired imagery as well. Some of the inhabitants who live there are elves and fairies, like the one who makes cosmetics (I keep forgetting her name…). Although most of the ability outfits we have so far look like they're from Lilith/Ninir/Heartcraft, the "purification" outfit strikes me as something more typical of Pigeon.

⚔️North Kingdom: A cold country best known for winter clothing—heavy scarves, overcoats, and hats—as well as military attire. There is also at least one "ice queen" style suit in every game. If I recall correctly, this kingdom has been having civil wars since Love Nikki, so expect a lot of action in this area.

🐪Wasteland/Terra Alliance: The original name of this country sparked a lot of controversy, so I'm glad that they have changed it. This kingdom usually has desert-themed clothing, ancient Greek/Egyptian clothing, clothing inspired by nature, bohemian clothing, and Bollywood-inspired costumes (the cultural representation isn’t always the best, unfortunately…but I am optimistic that Shining Nikki and Infinity Nikki are more culturally sensitive than Love Nikki).

🤖Ruin Island/Whaleport: A mysterious island that features “futuristic” or sci-fi inspired clothing. Many players from previous games who liked this style have felt that the developers often neglect this kingdom, unfortunately.

❄️Story and gameplay advice

Without spoiling the older games, I can say that, generally...

Most of the story is based on conflicts between different characters and sometimes different kingdoms. These problems, as mentioned before, are solved through styling battles.

Infinity Nikki seems to be going for a cozier vibe. However, both of its predecessors have sometimes gone into dark territories, featuring themes of war, violence, and betrayal. (I may or may not have cried over the death of a certain someone in Love Nikki...)

Therefore, dramatic things could very well happen in Infinity Nikki. I'm not saying that it can't be your comfort game if that is what you are hoping for, as the other games can still also be light, funny, and cozy. I just want to warn more sensitive players who might not be expecting it from a dress-up game.

If the "miracle outfits" are like the "lifetime suits" of the previous games, they will take forever to craft. Take your time, but do try to craft them because they have very high stats.

I'm not sure how f2p-friendly Infinity Nikki will be, but I haven't spent anything on either of the other games and I've been able to buy many of the suits I wanted. Just make sure that you budget accordingly and remember that if you want one suit but can't afford it at the time, another suit with a similar aesthetic might come out in the future.

Keep an eye out for redeem codes! These are often posted by the game's social media, and you can get a lot of free stuff.

The fan-favorite kingdoms are usually Lilith/Ninir (Heartcraft) and Cloud (Linlang), followed by Pigeon (Twinmoon) and Apple (Starhail). The other three tend to get neglected, so if you like the sound of those the most, I'm sorry... :(

❄️My predictions for future updates

Every time we enter a new country in Miraland, we will have new ability outfits to craft to fit the style of the new setting. This is because most of the outfits we have so far look like Lilith/Ninir suits in previous games, without influences from other nations. I'm very curious to know what a Lanling-themed electrician outfit would look like.

Since Lanling is the only other named country so far, we will see it next, hopefully in time for Lunar New Year. They're probably also going to give us another free suit. I hope it's Legend of the White Snake themed.

Then, we'll probably see the equivalent of the Apple Federation, followed by Pigeon Kingdom.

We will get a new version of this stunning dress. It's called the Star Sea and has shown up in every game so far. I'm actually surprised we haven't heard about it in Infinity Nikki yet.

Please let me know if this guide has been useful, and if there's other parts of the games you'd like me to cover!

[vacantgodling]

hi!! i saw that you're playing infinity nikki and was wondering what do you like about it?? i downloaded it out of interest but haven't touched it yet thanks to being busy IRL + i've never played a nikki game before so I'm pretty curious about it

hello hello!

well, i will start this off by saying i am extremely biased: i am an og love nikki player (the mobile app and first canonical game in the series i believe—at least internationally) and have been playing the game for damn near 10 years—not as involved as i used to be to be fair but i’ve had an account for that entire time. i did the math recently and over the lifetime of me playing that game i’ve spent like 2k 🤪 so like, i mainly love the game bc i’m already down bad for the series in general LMAO

but the nikki games in general are a story-based dress up gacha game. the main plot always revolves around our favorite pink haired protagonist nikki, her talking cat momo and her adventures in the world of miraland (different iterations in every game). miraland is a land whose main society is always based around fashion: people called stylists compete in styling battles instead of drawing weapons (most of the time) to solve conflicts, and more often than not the outfits and clothing items themselves have special abilities and powers associated with them.

what makes infinity nikki the Best game in the series thus far is because it is an open world adventure game that has legitimate combat outside of just the styling battles. the graphics are fucking gorgeous and the environments are great—especially because a few developers who worked on legend of zelda breath of the wild (one of my other fave games LOL) helped create the world and game. it’s however a low-stakes game for the most part; very cozy and good if you like collecting and hoarding and crafting. the npcs are all super sweet (though they actually are my one gripe—if you have no experience with the series you don’t know what you’re missing but the og love nikki npcs are the best ones in any universe and i forever miss them DHDH) and lovable and the story for something so chill?? is actually batshit insane but that’s par for the course of nikki games.

the basic plots usually consist of nikki getting sucked from our world into the world of miraland by some sort of godlike entity (or dark force depending on the game) and being tasked with saving the world of miraland from a larger looming threat that’s usually threatening to destroy it and she succeeds using the power of friendship, magic, and her sick fashion skills. nikki is p much your typical protagonist: optimistic, hardworking, sweet, compassionate, intelligent—you get the picture. i actually love her because she has a very straightforward confidence about her—she’s not one of those protags that doubts her abilities or her worth she’s very aware that she’s the baddest bitch in this piece—but she is really sweet and humble and works hard for her skills (+ you control her lol) so you can’t help but adore her??

also the outfits are always so fucking beautiful 10/10.

the game is completely free to play obvs and you can still progress without buying anything so don’t feel pressured by it but it’s a fun series and a great game and idk i adore nikki so yAh i’m really glad this came out around my usual seasonal depression time FJDJDJ

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Yisu: Cinnabar

Designer's Reflection: Cinnabar

Obtained: Vol. 2 Ch. 8 workshop

Rarity: SR

Attribute: Blue/Cool

Awakened Suit: Mighty Wilderness

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Traveler in the Winds

Chapter 2 - Prophecy of Divine Descent

Chapter 3 - Hawk Hunter

Story - summarized

All Yisu can remember before waking up in Miraland is living with her friends on an islet, and a special friend telling her to protect the continent with her life. And also an important Ocean.

The only trace of that Ocean is the smell of the black sand in Wasteland. The sand itself is a cursed entity, attacking and destroying various towns and tribes. And Yisu has been tracking it down for a long time, hoping to discover the connection between the sand and the Ocean - and hopefully, a connection to her past.

Recently, her journey takes her to the Gold Stone Tribe. The black sand has been relentless and nearly decimates their army. Yisu intervenes in time to protect the village. With her divine bow and arrows, she breaks the black sand as it transforms into vicious hawks.

Thus, the legend of the Hawk Hunter is born. Yisu never stays in the same location for long, forever tracking the black sand, battling it wherever she goes. She still doesn't remember who she is or where she's from, but nothing will stop her from finding the truth.

Connections

-Priestess Tess, of the Gold Stone Tribe, can communicate with the souls of the dead through her dreams, and in her memories for Spirit Whisper, Priestess Sharna was one of those souls.

-When we first meet Yisu in the main story, she signs up to take part in the Hawk Hunter event. When one of the staff members ask if she's taken part before, she says no. This is because she was too busy fighting the black sand and never came to do the hunting games.

-The "Ocean" that Yisu mentions is the Ocean of Memories. Before coming to Miraland, Yisu was one of the Five Envoys of the God of Styling and Beauty. She rules over the attribute of Cool.

-The attribute of Cool has also been called Handsomeness, and while Infinity Nikki isn't directly connected with Shining Nikki's timeline, Coolness is also attributed to Willpower. Plus, in Yisu's UR Reflection "Gilded Shackles" and her Time Corridor event "Realm of Beauty," she is regarded as the goddess of strength and courage. Yisu embodies all these aspects.

Fun Facts

-Yisu is the only POC main character. There are other POC characters mentioned, but they don't get character art.

-This isn't a Connection, but it's something I noticed: the beginning line for the Reflection is "It's a story from a long time ago," which is exactly what Krista/Christine says when you choose her Reflection for styling battles.

[glamwish]

♡ 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐝   /   ♡  𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥.   /   𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬.  /   𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨.  /   𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐡𝐜𝐬   /   ♡  𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐬  dreamlune / priesm. 💖 ✧*。

&& a heart full of stars. ; a canon divergent nikki from the dress up ni/kki series { miracle/love, shining & in/finity nikki. } thoughtfully placed within multiple fandoms including : dis/ney, king/dom hearts, ff, gen/shin, and various animes and series.         (◍•ᴗ•◍)♡ ✧*。          themes in : imagination, a healing and magical touch , happiness and also enduring pain with a smile. lovingly portrayed by dior { 26 she/her asian. }

♡ rules/info      mutual base only, no hate, ship with chemistry, meme response welcomed, no god-modding, multi / oc / dupe friendly, respect boundaries  &  be patient with reply speed. i read all rules for those who follow           if i see something i know i can’t honor / reciprocate / vibe with, i softblock or hardblock per said blogs preference. i hardblock blogs that rb my starter calls and threads that aren't mutual or involved in said threads.  i made all of the resources on this blog, if you need help let me know.   that’s all !  be kind to one another <3 i do have multiple blogs that are on hiatus : pearlcure , starscrys ; sporadically on @seacharm and my gfx rphbydior.

for those who do not know of nikki and the gacha mobile games : she is a fantasy based female heroine that has extraordinary skills with fashion and being an uplifting lead role. her most trusted friend and ally, a talking cat, momo always travels alongside nikki in utmost companionship. the nikki verse doesn't have calamity or chaos, but caters to happiness. in infinity nikki, it will be the first time nikki faces fears and saves the world with the powers varying within each different outfit. " Following her wish, Nikki embarks on a journey, and to find the legendary suit she is determined to become a Stylist. Stylists are those who are able to control special skills which come from special suits, and to become one Nikki ought to pass an examination to qualify as a professional Stylist. During the exam, she encounters a mysterious presence and accepts a special quest. Advancing through her adventures, Nikki reveals the secrets of the world." BASICS. Her name is Nikki, she is no younger than 19 ( my own take ) and is currently a well known stylist for fashion, and healing a nation. Chosen pronouns are she/her, and prefers quite a bit of chemistry for romance despite developing crushes easily. She loves all genders equally, identifying as pan.

*& 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬. ( please note that it is okay by me to call her by her name even if she does not know your muse! )

main verse ( INFINITY NIKKI* ) : taking place within her own realm and hometown miraland, nikki is transported to a dream like new world where all of her dreams come to fruition and she is tasked for saving those came to harm by ravaged magic. a mysterious dress takes her through a portal and into this world called miraland to find the miracle outfits to help a wounded nation from a blood curse and protecting wishes made by the people. notable abilities so far: floating, wind/flower gliding, various animal/creature care, essling purification, shrinking size, electrician, violinist, and painting.

kingdom hearts ( the heart queen ) : a lawful good character open to all 3 game timelines. a magical queen residing at king mickey's castle for utmost protection. mender of broken hearts, healer and friend to those in need. can fight alongside sora as a healer role.

genshin impact ( stars legend ) : a fallen star, a kindhearted young woman travels teyvat studying fashion and everything that makes each nation unique. she has a heart made of diamonds, would fight with a catalyst and have a cryo vision.

disney ( heart of stars, princess nikki ) much like rapunzel, nikkis world is very euro centric, only resonating with stars and wishes. designing her own dresses and catering to those who want the same, she is a well respected princess with a kingdom free of chaos and villains.

other games / series. i'm willing to place nikki into other verses such as lol/arcane, marvel/dc; with the idea in mind that she is a healer & divine based role. very oblivious to her fame and genuinely wants to help people.

[latimeria-fell-from-heaven]

On Leonid's reflection of Prophecy.

I actually learned a lot about Leonid's past, especially of how he knew Nikki and player even before the game.

Spoiler below on my anonymous said. It has story linked to the game plot.

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It is said that Leonid knew Desire and actually imprisoned her that old Gods was baffled of him. On that reflection, he met God of styling and their five envoys on the Starstream islet after hearing the melody played in the lyre was played by the God of styling. Miraland did actually had it's destruction because of the war of both Gods that it also caused the death of God of styling, the God of Styling used the power of Ocean of Memories to end the war as it took their own life just to save Miraland.

It is explain of why he chose Nikki to save Miraland and how Player came in to the game without having any knowledge about Miraland—thus other envoys seemed to ba familiar of the player despite having a barely memory/ies of them.

It is also said that the reason why Nikki summoned player because of the God of styling's will for Miraland is also Nikki's wanted that is strongly resonate to each other, it must be God of styling who cheered up for Nikki on the Star Sea video, but still it is unknown who that was.

It's hard to say everything but you could read it on Tumblr. They recently posted the whole story of it.

I'm still intrigued about the God of styling's and Player's past so I'm collecting Aeon, Nikki, other character who had deep connection with the story line and the Player especially Leonid who met God of styling and consider them as his old friend.

—°u°

so yep, this whole reflection essentially explains the player's "backstory" when they were god and why he chose nikki as his successor in the first place. i actually do think it's pretty touching that he was going out of his way to try and bring back us, the god of styling. but i am looking forward to seeing even more lore surrounding the player and their envoy's.

designer reflection explanation.

[infinitydesigners]

Wardrobe's Stylist: Special Interview with Cadenceborn

(You can find this in a book on the first floor of the Guild.)

Interviewers Dada and Bebe, staff from the Stylist's Guild Florawish Branch

Interviewee: Kilo the Cadenceborn

First, we would like to express our profound gratitude to Mr. Kilo, the Cadenceborn, for his invaluable support in completing the Compendium. We are honored to have him join us for this interview.

Q: During the completion of the Compendium, Mr. Kilo, you demonstrated exceptional knowledge of styling history. We are very curious about how you came to possess such knowledge. Could you share your experiences with us?

A: For us Cadenceborn, such knowledge comes naturally. As the children of Florawish often jest, "Grandpa! Your grandpa's grandpa's favorite poet, Kilo, has penned yet another verse." You see, we Cadenceborn are granted long lives, during which we witness countless styles and fashions. One might consider us living archives of styling history. Furthermore, our mission is to capture human lives and emotions through our poetry. Clothing, being a direct expression of human existence and sentiment, naturally aligns with our goals. Over the centuries, this focus has allowed me to amass an extensive body of knowledge about clothing.

Q: It seems not every stylist can use your unique method for practicing styling. What advice would you give to stylists who want to learn more about clothing?

A: True, not everyone has the advantage of a lengthy lifespan. However, I recommend venturing out to explore more. Traveling across Miraland can immensely enrich your life and expose you to diverse styles from different regions. After I finish my latest poem about Wishfield, I may travel again to absorb more of the world. While working on the Compendium, it reignited my appreciation for the Linlang Empire's styles -- the flowing cloud patterns on their dresses used to inspire me to write timeless verses. Also, if you're keen on learning about significant outfits in Wishfield's history, assist me in gathering clean Dews of Inspiration. In return, I've prepared many sketches and poems detailing their histories as rewards.

Q: Thank you so much for sharing, Mr. Kilo! Could you share your thoughts on working with the Stylist's Guild?

A: The staff at the Stylist's Guild are fantastic. You bring a lot of fresh ideas, and working with you guys always brings surprises! My biggest takeaway is... If I had enough Dews of Inspiration, I wouldn't hit so many creative walls. Honestly, it's that darn Dark Essence causing trouble!

[caitas-cooing]

My mind goes to Cloud Strife first if someone were to describe a style as cloud X3 Just head to toe in the spikey haired boi

That's fair, but also like cloud empire in miraland is the where the Asian inspired styles are, but mostly Chinese stuff because that's where the game is made, so what I actually meant if you wanted to know. Sometimes when I forget the more proper words for something I just use whatever comes to my head first and these games take up way to much of my brain space so that's the first image that came to my head. I don't even remember what outfit I was talking about or the exact context of the conversation anymore so I can't even tell you what the word I wanted to use was

[miralands-resident-conspiracist]

You guys are making me feel all sparkly inside ✨

Thank you for bringing it up actually, because I am really proud of how I tied Renatta's name into the story.

I wanted to name her something a twelve-year old Nidhogg would maybe come up with because he's the one who suggests the name to her when everyone is trying to help her come up with a new name. In her past life, her mother gave her a name that was culturally relevant. (I'm between making her Indian or Korean in her past life, but I haven't decided because it's not super important right now.) her father ends up changing it because it's "embarrassing" for his only kid to have a name nobody can pronounce, and he renames her Amelia. She kinda suspects, he just looked up "English girls names" and barely scrolled down the alphabetized list.

Because she was practically sold to her father by the mother who gave her her first name, and her father just renamed her half-assedly, she didn't want to go be either name from her past life. So when the knight's doctor asked if she had a name she liked, she asked for suggestions from the people around her, and they all put care and thought into it. Nidhogg suggested Renatta, and she decided that was the perfect name.

I actually struggled a lot to find her name because at first, I wanted her name to just mean "rabbit" because Nidhogg likes rabbits. But I didn't like the named that came up for that. Usagi was too Japanese for her because she's supposed to be Chinese in her new body, and Bunnie didn't suit her at all, etc. I almost gave up looking for something with a specific meaning, but then I realized rabbits apparently have a strong connection to rebirth in lots of cultures, so I looked up names meaning rebirth, and I decided Renatta was the perfect name for my girl. Also it sounds like a NK name because as I found out much later while organizing my reference files for the fic, her name shares origins with lots of the Northern characters names.

She also has levels of intimacy regarding her name. She lets her friends call her Ren, but only her found family can call her Rena. Her family included Nidhogg, Louie, Louie's father, the doctor who adopted her, and a knight named Lucia who was kind of like an aunt or an older sister to her. By the time Nikki comes to Miraland, Nidhogg is the only one who can call her that. Renatta accidentally snaps at Yvette during her first day for calling her Rena. (She felt bad and apologized right after.)

Also, because there's some evidence of people being prejudiced against people from the North, I decided Renatta wasn't a common name outside the North and she would have to go through almost the same thing with her new name as she did with her very first one.

So her name is super important. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk.

@berryjellyghost 😘✨

Jesus Christ joining a new discord is so nerve-wracking.

I know it's a writing safe space, but how do I ask a hundred people I don't know to care about my OC for this mobile dress-up game???

[littlesailorinthesun]

fact or fiction #1

hello! I have seen a lot of discussion on various love nikki theories recently and I decided to rate them based on how plausible I personally think they are, as well as evaluating the evidence we currently have for them.

however keep in mind that I’m sort of the type of person who likes to get a feel for author’s intention (it helps when trying to read these botched translations). I still try to be as unbiased as possible though. still, the information below is my personal opinions!

Queen Nanari is the Lord / Shadow

★★★★☆ - easiest explanation

This was already commonly believed before Black White Puzzle ("tree of life lore") arrived on the English server, but when I read it through properly for the first time, my only thought was "wow, this is very blatant" - especially in the last few stages. I felt pretty confident that that was what the writers intended to get across. However, I was surprised to find that that was not a universal takeaway. 

For me, the crucial piece of evidence is that Neva has the same relationship with Nanari and with the Lord. She is blindingly loyal to them. She serves them both at the same time. She has sworn her life to both of them. How can she swear her life to both of them and serve them both at the same time with apparently no conflicting loyalties from either? Worth also mentioning the framing: Neva does not think of Nanari specifically during the whole event. "Nanari" is only mentioned during the event when you see the part from Royce's own memories.

Essentially this is something where I believe nearly every piece matches up, even beyond this. Weird foreshadowing about Nanari, dates and times and knowledge... the Kindred blood is basically the only thing about the Lord that does not link them to Nanari. I also need more explanation on the motivation here, but considering how many characters don't even canonically have motivations for things they do (Reid, I'm looking at you) this also isn't make or break. 

The Ancient Pavilion Designer is Xiao Zong

★★★★☆ +0.5 - easiest explanation

Like the one with Nanari, the evidence for this one lies largely in the relationship with another person: King Sayet. For a very long time in the story, it was indicated that the Ancient Pavilion Designer (APD) studied together with Sayet. Volume 2 Chapter 4, which came right before Nine-Night Tales chronologically, was later released, which named APD as Sayet's senior and described him as being cold and aloof. Then, Nine-Night Tales lore was released and - Xiao Zong is described as Sayet's senior, and the fandom collectively looked back and realized that XZ and APD stories lined up in more ways than one. 

Except the big thing: The Ancient Pavilion Designer died years ago.

Or did he?

Well, according to the Miraland Civilization Files book timeline (lore book), he did. But the book was apparently written by the curators of the Ark (time-and-dimension-traveling Shining Nikki construct thing), meaning even they may not have known (or bothered to investigate) the truth. (Meta reason: to keep us guessing). I actually consider the book to be more conclusive evidence, because it reveals something that wasn't stated in the main story - something they went out of their way to change:

In Fu Su's dreamweaver, Sayet dies and APD dies shortly after. You would normally assume this to happen in 672, since it doesn't mention how much time has passed. But the book went out of its way to name the year as 673 instead, which lines up exactly with when Xiao Zong decided to leave the Flower Field (that place where the Ancient Pavilion is) and run off with Mr. Interesting Zhu Yuxian.

So, the situations line up, but the reason I take half a point off this one are because of the huge leaps in logic you have to make to take these pieces and figure that Fu Su’s wise old mentor faked his death and is actually this pretty ruthless guy who literally murders people in cold blood. Still, this gets many points because it seems obvious this is what the writers are trying to say. 

Evelyn (Flickering Pistill) is the Elf Queen (Chloris & Cesare's Mother)

★★★☆☆ - could go either way

Truly one of the few theories where I genuinely have no idea what the writers are intending.

A little bit of background: Due to the prevalent lore chart that spread around many eons ago, it was stated that Evelyn (Flickering Pistill) = Evelyn (Wind's Whisper) = Chloris's Mother. Well... much time has passed and though whether FP and WW are the same character seems to just be up to interpretation (and translation) as it's doubtful that they will release anything else that references Wind's Whisper, new lore about both the Elf Queen and Evelyn is still being released, which carefully does not refer to them as the same person.

Most people don't really think there is a difference, but I encourage you to read lore without conflating the two if you're interested in the theory. Hahaha, just kidding I wouldn't wish reading elfkindred lore on anyone. I may make a post later about how much of it retcons itself, both in terms of events and in characters, because it’s been kicking my ass recently.

Noah is the Fantasy Envoy

★★☆☆☆ - it's not impossible but doubtful

I really used to think this one at a point in time. The points in favor of this one include: Concern over Fantasy Envoy's identity (Nikki and Momo seem to recognize him), Noah being a trickster/master of illusions, similar personalities, and sprites drawn using a similar looking face. They also both spent some time in Pigeon Forest, as well as in Lilith (Envoy because he's a traveller, Noah because I guess he was doing things for Cesare). 

However, the fact that Nikki and Momo seem to recognize him isn't actually evidence he is Noah (Bobo would recognize him, which she doesn't). It's actually an easter egg to Nikki 2 - where incidentally one of their friends Polo the detective dressed up as the a mysterious guy called the Fantasy Envoy, who is a guy on Earth too I suppose? 

Anyways, even though this one isn't total nonsense, I don't think this is the route they're going. Noah is an actual character and Envoy is... more and more just an eccentric weirdo. 

===

This is all I have energy to write tonight but I definitely intend to do more in the future. Other ones I have planned include Nikki as Hostess L, Fu Su’s bloodline, and some stuff that’s debunked that I just wanted to mention. If you want me to do any others, send me an ask and I will do my best!

[deodatasslawson]

I just have a couple of Love Nikki questions: 1. How did you come to the conclusion that Nidhoog is a Marxist/Leninist(I actually agree, ftr) 2. What do you think of Louie and what do you think is his Ennagram #? Thanks!

1) Short version: Nidhogg has that BTE (big tankie energy).

Long version: I came to the conclusion that Nidhogg is a Marxist-Leninist by analyzing the lore as well as educating myself on various kinds of leftism (since I am pretty much a communist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, and anti-fascist), including Marxist-Leninism, as well as being a history buff in general.

In Love Nikki, it's pretty obvious that Nidhogg was fucked over by both the monarchist/fascist/feudalist regime in the North (probably based off Tsarist Russia) as well as the imperialism from the Apple Fed (aka Miraland's version of 'Murica), Cloud Empire, Pigeon Kingdom (which is clearly Western Europe and/or the British Empire), and possibly Lilith Kingdom (though it's probably nowhere NEAR as imperialistic as Apple, Cloud, or Pigeon are if that is the case) through the policy of the Blood Curse that are mainly of benefit to those four nations rather than North, Wasteland (cleary based off of the Middle East/West Asia, Africa (especially Northern Africa), India, South Asia, and pre-colonized America, all places that experienced absolutely horriffic and violent oppression (like torture, slavery and genocide levels of violent oppression) from the colonization and imperialism from Europe, especially from the British Empire), and Ruin.

So aside from being from a country that from what I am certain has not just a tyrannical king, but also tyrannical warlords vieying for power, much akin to some really fascist monarchy that has a lot of feudalistic traits, and also having to deal with the Blood Curse (which not only mainly benefits Apple, Pigeon, Cloud, and Lilith, which are the places that have the most benefit from the Blood Curse because they are the wealthier and more powerful nations in Miraland, but the elites, monarchs, and wealthy people (basically the ruling class and bourgeoisie) are able to get away with imposing violence, both literal and especially structural violence on just about everyone else), arguably has one of the most fucked up and traumatic backstories in the game, despite being a villain and hated by much of the fandom (especially on tumblr) because of it.

Like, here's a rundown of what happens in his childhood:

His father, who was probably an asshole, emotionally neglected him and put very high expectations on him

Said father ends up getting falsely accused of treason by other warlords and Nidhogg ends up not only becoming homeless, but becomes an orphan and has no family at like 5 years old because of this

Nidhogg is pretty much a homeless, impoverished orphan until he is 13 years old, which by then his teacher (Louie's father) adopts him as a son alongside his own son Louie, who is a year younger than Nidhogg is (basically the first time he's had family since he lost his biological family due to his bio dad falsely being accused of treason) and starts training to be a royal knight

Nidhogg ends up being ostracized by his peers during training despite being very talented and close to Louie and his father (and as someone who grew up being ostracized by many of my peers due to being autistic, that shit fucking hurts)

A coup happens and it ends up being incredibly violent and Nidhogg and Louie end up losing their father to the effects of the Blood Curse, while the people who were behind the coup did not because they had the money to pay for a drug that suppresses the Blood Curse

Like it's pretty obvious that Nidhogg has pretty severe C-PTSD and possibly even a personality disorder due to that fucked up childhood as well as the structural oppression he experienced growing up, which is why Nidhogg is an enneagram 8 (ESTJ 8w7-3w4-5wcp6 sp/so).

And the lore in the Cloud Tea Party welfare event gave us even more evidence that Miraland is a dystopia and an oligarchy (like it is absolute HELL for those who are marginalized, as seen in some of the contestants that Nikki goes against in the Nine-Day War).

And I do think Nidhogg realizes that there is no way in hell you can reform a system that relies on imperialism and oligarchy at all. That the only way to change it is to bring forth revolution. And it is impossible for revolution, ESPECIALLY one that is political in nature to be peaceful and non-violent, thus why Nidhogg ends up starting a war and ends up killing Lunar in the process.

2) Louie is pretty hot (though I do think Niddy is a bit hotter imo) and is kinda relatable, and I could probably see him as an anarchist/anarcho-communist type. As for MBTI and Enneagram, I think he is probably either an ISFP or INFJ 1w2-4w5-cp6w7 so/sp.

[nidhoggssoultrap]

Headcanon Part 4

I am the storm sent to wake you from your dream.My "Headcanon" (Nidhogg, Louie, and Yvette. Mostly Nidhogg) Part 1 This one is a long one, so I'll be splitting it into parts. I don't thinkI AM THE STORM SENT TO WAKE YOU FROM YOUR DREAM.

Headcanons/Vingettes/snippets part 2Oh lordy...this is it. Love Nikki has the longest list of headcanons EVER...or well, that I’ve written. Jesus...never thought a dress-up gamI AM THE STORM SENT TO WAKE YOU FROM YOUR DREAM.

Headcanon Part 3Dress up game...one character...inspired all this...wow. But, I was able to dig up some old “flames” because of this, so it’s all good. PrevI AM THE STORM SENT TO WAKE YOU FROM YOUR DREAM.

And now, page 4. I don’t think this record will ever be surpassed by any other fandom. Geez..Also, spoilers for the CN Dawn Front event that happened around Sept 15th.

1. When it comes to the human trafficking for Grey Raven situation, there is plenty of blame to go around. I believe that because Regent 7 is found necessary, Grey Raven has a lot more leverage in the Night Order than he should. Both Reid and Nidhogg balked at the idea the way Johnny Lawrence did when his sensei told him to “Sweep the leg” in the Karate Kid. Both used arguments similar to what I used in the Discord along with Reid saying that he has plenty of money for clothes/designers to use as a means of breaking the Curse through Styling Contests. However, Grey Raven was successful at manipulating both of them to gather prisoners and use them for his experiments/more Shade people. “Are you not the King of Swords?” Grey Raven asked. Nidhogg makes it clear that he would only do this when Regent 7 no longer works and “not a moment before”. Guess what conveniently happened? So, Nidhogg gives the order to send prisoners to Grey Raven. The Blood Curse mutates to resist any drug to counteract it, but it’s still convenient for Grey Raven, who has ulterior motives.

He actually has the GALL to blame Louie for this. The Nameless Knights hold the key to breaking the Blood Curse so the kidnappings for Grey Raven could have been prevented if Louie would simply give up the Key/NOT destroy shipments of Regent 7. I predict that someone in the Night Order(most likely Nidhogg) will use the victims as leverage against Louie in order to obtain the Key.

2. Speaking of Louie, when he rescued someone from the “holding camps”/Grey Raven, he was beside himself with rage. You could have heard him on another planet and he was especially vocal when fingers were pointed at him.

3. Nidhogg has pursued Louie twice by car. First instance, Louie tells him “you’re not man enough for me and even if you were, I WON’T STICK MY DICK IN CRAZY” before speeding off. Second time was after Louie rescues a victim who “lived among fields of gold.” The second time is where Louie goes off on him and he has other people in a “three way call”/eavesdrop. He knows that people might think he is crazy, but since the trafficking has become widespread with many escapees/whistleblowers, he is certain that people won’t easily believe that “it’s all made up”.

4. Grey Raven loves teasing Nidhogg. His other hobbies include slamming fingers in car doors and setting his hair on fire. Anyway, he views Nidhogg’s conscience as a “taint” and tells him often that “I can change that. I can make it go away. Things would be much easier then.” Nidhogg constantly refuses saying that “I am strong enough to bear the burden.” However, he admits only to himself that he has been tempted to let Gray Raven take away all feeling/conscience, but knew that doing so would mean losing a lot more.

5. Confession Bear: Grey Raven is a riot and I ADORE him. I don’t quite ship him with Nidhogg, but I love the teasing and Grey Raven being very much aware of the leverage he has in the Order.

6. The reason why Nidhogg killed Lunar was because Grey Raven wanted her for experiments as a means of getting back at Louie for ruining his reputation. He intended to make sure that she suffered immensely before making her into a “better version of Shade.” Nidhogg made it clear “that is not going to happen.” Since Louie claimed the body, Grey Raven would be hard pressed to find it, much less take it for himself.

7. The Night Order is on the hunt for butterfly jewelry. So is Nikki. Louie has one of the butterfly items(his veil), but that wasn’t made by Sayet. Still, he’s not surprised that Night Order would want it.

8. Louie has a lot of white wigs and some of them make him look more beautiful than he already is. But, like Griffith, he has the “hawk eye” along with a hard edge when provoked. The difference is that Louie’s temperament is well, a bit more hot and he can be frightening to witness. He has an astonishing amount of clothes and a lot of that is due to Blue Bird packages sent by Lunar. He tried to “ghost her”, but found that he couldn’t. He often joked about changing the name of the Nameless Knights.

9. He has two lieutenants: a young woman and a young man. Both are considered “voices of reason” to Louie’s occasional outbursts.

10. The trafficking situation is where everything started to “slip away” for Nidhogg and finally decided to do what needed to be done to gain the “great power.”

11. There were multiple whistleblowers in the trafficking and not one of them were found out. It is, however, known that they were appalled at what was happening and blew the whistle as soon as they had the chance. Everyone has their limits.

12. Louie didn’t ultimately leave because of the “kiss”, but because he didn’t want to go to Lilith to help with Nidhogg’s plans and he was not about to defer to Nidhogg. At first, they argued about it with Louie being shut down. He appeared “deferential”, but on the day they were supposed to leave, Louie packed up his things and left to become a mercenary—something Nidhogg never approved of him doing.

Louie was the one who tore up the picture of him and Nidhogg and left a torn half on the bed. That’s what Nidhogg came home to and it devastated him as he felt very much betrayed(ironic considering what he later on did in Lilith/Yvette).

13. Louie hated the fact that Nidhogg seemed to conflate understanding with agreement and repeatedly called him on, especially at the final car chase. He went so far as to call Nidhogg, “A victim piece of shit!” and that he was understood “ALL TOO WELL!” That’s the CHARITABLE way to put it. Please keep in mind that the drama between these two men were in front of a young woman, three teenage girls(Bobo was actually with them. I made a booboo in one of the parts) and a talking cat.

14. While a lot of what Louie claimed about Nidhogg was largely true, it doesn’t change my headcanon “fact” that he had a distorted view of his adopted brother. According to Reid, Louie was “blinded by hate”. ALL of the Night Order viewed Louie as the greatest threat with Nikki at a very close second(really, it’s Nikki, but Louie has a louder personality, a stronger Dawnblade, and ties to Nidhogg). They found it baffling that Nidhogg was willing to kill Nikki, but not Louie. After all, Nidhogg is “The King of Swords”, right?

15. Liliana was supposed to be the “alternative bunny” if Yvette didn’t work out. He wanted to take Liliana instead of Yvette, but the former was deemed “unacceptable.” Liliana would have been way more cooperative as she wasn’t fond of styling contests either and didn’t like the Blood Curse either as she felt that Styling Contests were imposed on everyone, regardless of their ability. Those with other talents were basically screwed unless they had support from those with “the clothes”. As for the Blood Curse, she has been affected by it on more than one occasion due to her constant misgivings about how disputes on Miraland are settled and the occasional refusal to do what is required should she lose. She loves Yvette’s school and appreciates the non violent revolution Yvette is leading.

16. This is really more of an odd theory, but I think that Hostess L may have been a Nikki lookalike who was part of the Nameless Knights, hence her name. Because of this, the Nameless Knights have “the key to the Blood Curse” if not one of them. I actually came up with this quite suddenly. Would be an interesting twist for sure and it would explain the suit she was wearing when she won(black dress with a sun pendant).

17. Despite what the current Lore says, I still consider Nidhogg a Scorpio. I have him born on November 13th(number of the Tarot Death). He shares the same birthday as Leatherstrip(industrial/ebm musician), ftr. Coincidence. Also, this year, it falls on Friday the 13th. But, since I still adore him, I guess he gets two Bdays. :) He really should have been an Air sign though. Gemini would have been perfect, especially since Bobo is currently the only one.

18. I also hold on to Nidhogg being 4 years older than Louie. At least I got the OLDER part right. :p I just fee like being under 30 is too young, but too much into the 30’s would be too old. 31 is just right, imo.

19. Before the black Camaro(aka, Maro) and the white Mustang(White Horsey), Nidhogg and Louie shared a Jeep. It was known as a “Rubicon” or “Rubi”. When Louie left, Nidhogg drove in that jeep to Lilith and Pigeon. He ended up eventually giving away for “image” reasons. He purchased the Camaro right before he became Prime Minister.

20. Glossing Rose was inspired by an abstract art piece done by Liliana. When he first arrived at Cicia Design School, Liliana, who was around 11 at the time, was among the first people he met and he knew her for years. He was accused of stealing from her when the Pink Bunny stockings were introduced “That’s not his style!” He admitted that they were inspired by one of Liliana’s drawings and she often was an inspiration. Emperor’s Woman, otoh, is clearly his actual design style and he does have a similar suit. He never actually stole from her nor did he ever claim credit for any of her works.

[elysiannepenthetranslations]

Shining Nikki Summaries

Hi everyone! When Shining Nikki first came out, I did brief summaries for stages 1-5 from chapter 1 and thought I could share it on here. I know there are groups that doing full translations for it but since I had everything typed out already, why not put it on here too for those that are too lazy to read the entire thing. 

Update: So I just realized SN has updated their story and this is no longer what happens in chapter 1! I’m guessing they updated it to make it less confusing but I literally didn’t realized until I got the JPN server today hahahaha. 

Chapter 1-1

Nikki has a dream from 13 years ago. A kid Nikki is lost, and she is looking for her mom and dad. She then spots a man that is writing. The guy then began talking to himself and said “I have observed only one ending but left a small factor that cannot be predicted. Will the ending change because of that factor?” Nikki then proceeds to ask who he is, and he told her he is the one that assigns destiny/fate.

1-2

Nikki wakes up telling Momo she had a scary dream but realizes Momo wasn’t with her and she’s in prison. A police officer comes to Nikki and she ask why she’s there because she doesn’t remember anything. The police said something about Nikki drinking (but I’m unsure of whether he thinks she can’t remember anything because she was drinking or she’s in prison because she was drinking. I’m pretty sure it’s the first one lol).

1-3

The officer proceeds to ask Nikki about her name, age, and occupation. She replies with “Nikki, 19 years old, I am a …… stylist…” It seems like Nikki’s memories are a bit foggy as of now. The police officer confirms that they are indeed in Miraland and wants Nikki to show him her ID but since she isn’t from this world, her ID wouldn’t have any use here. Nikki then has a little inner monologue about Miraland. Translates to something like this à “Miraland is a known as a peaceful country but it really isn’t that peaceful as Nikki has been through many things in Miraland. Especially since what happened later on… and her teacher told her….  What happened later on? Who is teacher?” The police officer then gets a call telling him someone is here to bail Nikki out and Nikki asks if it’s a cat that can talk. Nikki is able to leave, and the screen goes back to a scene with the officer and a blonde guy. The blonde guy is holding onto a file with Nikki’s information in it and we find out his name is Luo Ang. It seems like the officer knows Luo Ang and he’s the one that set everything up? And Luo Ang ends with saying “the only thing you need to know is that this is what might change the fate of this world.”

 1-4

Momo reunites with Nikki again and asks her why the police took her, but she doesn’t remember anything. Momo reveals that they just arrived yesterday, and Nikki’s condition wasn’t so good already. He questions whether she lost her memory because they traveled back in time. Nikki gets surprised by that and momo tells her they have traveled 680 years back into the past Miraland. Nikki thinks Momo is doing this because it’s April fools but Momo tells her she was the one that insisted on coming back to the past to change the fate of the future world. She asks why she needed to change the future but of course, we don’t get the answer in this chapter. She accepted this pretty quick and tells Momo they should go to the clothes store up ahead to gather more information. The store owner’s name is Hai Zhe and he (I’m not 100% sure what Hai Zhe’s gender is but I think he’s a boy??) tells us about how styling in this world works. He tells Nikki she can come to his store to collect more clothes to level up her matching/styling power (I’m not really sure how to translate this into English but it’s 搭配之力 and roughly translates as matching power). This is probably referring to the different attributes relating to the clothes like “sexy, lively, pure etc.”

1-5

Hai Zhe sees Nikki writing in a notebook and she tells him she wants to write down all the amazing stylist she meets. Hai Zhe tells Nikki he knows someone that might be able to help her. The person is currently collecting information about all the different stylists in Miraland and can introduce them to Nikki. He also said he thinks Nikki is good stylist and might even be able to use the power call “She Ji shi zhi ying” (roughly translates to designer’s shadow. This is the power where we summon our partner in the game). They then bring up the name Li Er Li De (I think this is supposed to be an English name…? but I have no idea what it is.) A young man then comes in to the store. He gets mad because the article of clothing he wanted was given to Nikki. Nikki challenges him to a battle since he wasn’t happy about this.

Nikki ends up in the place from her dream again and sees the man from chapter 1-1. He tells her this is her spiritual world and where the real stylist battle takes place in. She then asks if he is her teacher, but he tells her he is only a projection of memory and is not her teacher. They then reveal to us that this guy is Li Er Li De. Nikki’s memory begins to clear up and it seems like she has some sort of flashback of a conversation with a little girl about Miraland. (This is the part where I am not entirely sure what is happening but from what I can get, Miraland has fallen into ruins because they mentioned something about ashes and those who have stayed by Nikki’s side is no longer with her. It seems like Li Er Li De has something to do with it. From what I understand, he is the one that writes the fate of this world.)

[i-love-nikki]

Miraland was wonderful, the world of Nikki's dreams! But... Despite all the friends she's made since arriving, there was a loneliness that came with being here.

Everyone Nikki knew from her home was out of reach; friends, family, even just acquaintances were impossibly far out of reach, separated by some cosmic barrier. She though of them everyday, but the pain was especially noticable in days like today.

Behind her, the laughter and music of the Christmas party she'd just snuck away from played, carried on the snowy breeze. It's been hard to get away without anyone noticing, but she'd managed to find a window with Bobo fawning over Kaja and Momo distracted by a fresh plate of grilled fish. She loved them very much, but she just needed to be alone for a moment.

Nikki sighed, her breath visible in a puff of frozen air. She wished she could be celebrating with all her friends, new and old. Back home, she and her sister would always mess around and stick ribbon and wrapping paper to each other, her parents would make them all fresh hot chocolate, and they'd sit in the living room, Momo plopping himself on her lap, and they'd enjoy the holiday together in the light of the Christmas tree. Her friend Emi would always play pranks on people with mistletoe, Keila would make a handmade present for everyone every year, Xiulan always insisted it wasn't a Christmas party unless there was ribbon and lights on every possible surface. When she'd started thinking about the people she'd left behind and the traditions she enjoyed during the party, suddenly she'd stopped feeling quite so festive. That's when she decided she needed a moment to herself.

She figured she'd probably have to head back inside in a minute, someone would notice she was gone sooner or later. She'd push those sad thoughts to the side and put on her usual smile, enjoy her time with the people in this world; Bobo, Momo, Lunar, Ace, Toto, Neva, and so many others, including one particular heiress.

The redness on her cheeks had nothing to do with the cold when the thought of Kimi came into her head. Her time in Miraland became extra special when she was around. Unfortunately, Nikki hadn't seen her around the party at all, she was probably caught up in important meetings, approving new designs and what not. Nikki breathed out another sigh, she'd really wanted to see Kimi tonight.

She shivered at the next breeze, wrapping her arms tighter around herself.

"You know, you're the last person I'd expect to be sitting outside by herself while there's a party going on."

Nikki quickly turned her head to look at the source of the voice. Speak if the devil, or in this case angel, and she shall appear. Kimi stood in the doorway leading out to the balcony, the lights of the hallway casting an ethereal glow around her. Her dress was gorgeous, a faint shimmer like fresh snow and delicate around her waist and sleeve cuffs, little beads that resembled Christmas lights were woven through her hair. She was breathtaking.

Nikki let out a weak laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well, guess I was just feeling a bit crowded." Very convincing, Nikki. She turned back to look forward at the stars.

Kimi's heels clicked against the floor until she was right next to Nikki, folding her legs to sit on the ground next to her. "I know something's bothering you."

"It's nothing, really."

"Nikki," Kimi placed a hand on her shoulder, looking deep into her eyes "You can talk to me, you know that. You like to be the one who's there for other people to talk to, but sometimes you need someone to lend you their ear. Please, tell me what's bothering you."

Nikki chewed on her lip for a minute, unable to look away from the girl in front of her. "It's... I just... I miss home."

Kimi nodded "You mean, the world you're originally from."

"That's the one." It had taken a while to really convince her friends she was from some parallel universe or however these places were related, but they eventually realized it wasn't just some big joke. "This is just my first Christmas here, without everyone I knew in my world. It's just kind of getting to me, I guess."

"You must really miss them, huh."

"Yeah, yeah I really do."

Kimi was silent for a moment "Do you wish you hadn't come here?"

Nikki's eyes widened "No, no of course not." She was quick to dismiss the idea "I love Miraland, I'm so happy to have made all these new friends, I'm glad queen Nanari chose me. It'd just be nice if I didn't have to give up my old life for this one. I'm sure you guys would love my friends back home."

"I understand, even if I can't really imagine what you're going through. May I just say, though, that I am glad you're here."

"Really?" Her heart skipped a beat.

"Really. I find that my life has been far improved with you in it. Seeing your passion for clothing and your overall love of life, that sparkle you get in your eye, I'm glad I get to witness it." Kimi moved her hand slightly so it was resting over Nikki's.

Nikki couldn't find the words to express how happy hearing that made her. "Thank you, Kimi, really."

Neither girl said anything, just enjoyed the moment, until Nikki remembered the gift in her pocket.

"Oh! I have something for you, hold on." She turned to dig through her pocket until she produced a small box wrapped in silver. "Merry Christmas, Kimi."

Kimi took the present with a grateful smile "I also have something for you." And from her purse she brought out another box, slightly larger than Nikki's and wrapped in soft pink.

"Aw, Kimi~" She took the box and looked back up at Kimi "Want to open them at the same time?"

She laughed "Sure."

They both ripped open the wrapping paper, Nikki had to remind herself not to go too fast in her excitement. In her box, she found a delicate silver chain that looked like tiny twisting flowers, and the pendant was a gorgeously crafted heart. It was beautiful and simple, something she could match with any outfit.

She actually gasped when she saw it "It's amazing."

"It's actually the reason I was running late, I was overseeing the final touches; I had to make sure it was perfect."

Nikki held the necklace to her chest. "I love it." She noticed Kimi hadn't opened the unwrapped box yet. "Well go on, open it~"

Kimi did as she was told, and in her box found a silver bracelet, solid save for a hole that held a pink gem marbled with white in a sort of cage.

Kimi trailed her fingers over it "It's perfect. Thank you, Nikki." She said, slipping it on her wrist.

"Of course." She smiled. "Here, mind helping me put this on?" She held up the necklace.

Kimi nodded and took it "Turn around."

Once the necklace was secured, Nikki placed a finger on the heart. "Thank you, I-"

When she turned back, she found herself inches from Kimi's face. She didn't dare breath, afraid to shatter the moment. It would be so easy to lean forward just a bit, to finally kiss her and tell her-

"Bobo, I found her!"

Nikki pulled away and whipped her head around to see Momo in the doorway. Soon after, Bobo jogged into view.

"There you are, Nikki, we've been looking everywhere for you! Oh, Kimi, you made it~"

Nikki laughed nervously "Sorry, guys, just wanted some fresh air and ran into Kimi."

"Well hurry up, they're about to bring out the cake!"

"It's supposed to be huge!"

Her two most exciteble friends ran off and Nikki stood from her seat, extending a hand to Kimi. "We should get going before before they come back and physically drag us inside."

Kimi took her hand and rose to her feet. She didn't let go. "There's on more thing I wanted to give you first."

"What?"

Kimi stood on her toes to reach Nikki's cheek, where she planted a light kiss.

"Merry Christmas, Nikki."

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Yunikina: Ode of Frosty Sword

Designer's Reflection: Ode of Frosty Sword

Obtained: Time Corridor season 2

Rarity: UR

Attribute: Blue/Cool

Awakened Suit: Song of Dawn

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Snowland Legend

Chapter 2 - Sound of Freedom

Chapter 3 - Iris Elegy

Chapter 4 - Fall of Snow Eagle

Chapter 5 - Heroes Never Fall

Story - summarized

Perlin is a student at a military academy in North Kingdom, working on a thesis about Yunikina and the Snow Eagles.

Yunikina was an accomplished general even at the young age of 18. She formed the Snow Eagle Revolutionary Force and overthrew the tyrant of White Rock City. But rather than stay and be queen, she established a democratic system and left to bring peace and freedom to other city-states.

No one else could compare to Yunikina, who never lost a single battle. But at the age of 32, she was found dead. No one knew how she died, if it was murder or natural, but some suspected that it was an assassination by warlords that saw her as a threat.

The Snow Eagle Revolutionary Force continued for a while. They stayed and protected White Rock City - until the army from Black Water City came and nearly wiped them out. They were able to use Yunikina's strategies to deal a blow powerful enough to convince the other army to negotiate a peaceful solution. But the price was to disband for good.

Perlin grew up hearing these stories and always admired Yunikina, as do the other citizens. Only upon finishing the thesis did Perlin realize something: while the original Snow Eagles may be gone, their memory continues. Yunikina died young, but her legacy is ageless. And with the rise of anti-war sentiments in Miraland, maybe peace will last longer this time.

Connections

-Yunikina also appears in Love Nikki. She's recounted in the legend told through the outfit pieces and the brief blurb in the "Treasure" section of Achievements.

-When you and Nikki travel to the past, you first meet Yunikina and the Snow Eagles at the funeral for the poet Eagle. You join the group on the march to White Rock City. And right before you return to the present, Yunikina asks Nikki to put a flower in her hair.

-Black Water City is Zoey's hometown.

-So far, the Time Corridor Reflections have narrators reading from the future: the historian in Star Sea, Perlin in Ode of Frosty Sword, and the tour guide in Molten Gold. Glow narrates her own story in Laws of Stars, but she still tells it from the future, rather than show what happened in real-time.

Fun Facts

-This suit is based off the third lifetime suit from Love Nikki, Icewind Warchant.

-Perlin's gender is unknown. We only see them through the first-person narration, not even in a drawing.

-Yunikina's Sword of Legend is based after the long-sword, usually held in two hands.

-"Fleur-de-lis" usually describes a decorative shape, and even though the name is French for "lily flower," it's most likely based after a yellow iris instead.

[mitsubachiaria]

Thank you @taveri for the ask!

20. Which past event suit are you waiting to come back into the game?

Prom Princess! I didn’t realize the hand item came with nail polish when it was first there, plus the arm pose holds the bouquet and it’s really cool looking. I just... please Nikki I just want more nail polish...

22. What was the last suit you completed?

I couldn’t help it. I bought diamonds to complete the mermaid because dammit, I don’t wanna wait a whole year to get the mermaid I’ve been wanting so hecking much. Also she’s in lesbians with the seabird suit I already have so I feel obligated to not separate them.

24. What is your favorite thing about the game?

As much as I don’t care about the story, my favorite thing about the game is definitely how they handled Nikki as a character! In most games like this, you’d expect the fashion loving heroine to be boy-crazy and vain, but instead, Nikki is presented as a determined, admirable girl whose love of fashion isn’t seen as something girly, but as something that lets her connect with the people of Miraland. Not to mention, she not only doesn’t care much about any of the male characters, but rather has an implied romance with another girl. There’s nothing that makes me happier than a sapphic, heroic protagonist whose “girly” traits are appreciated rather than poked fun at.

[latimeria-fell-from-heaven]

I finally got Aeon's designer reflection for saving up that Goldy roses thingy on the diamond arena.

Somehow it intrigued me about the heart of the ark. If I recall correctly, that some person from the broken reflection (I think Lehman) just touch the core and remembered the past, then Aeon just touch the core and found Leonid and asks why he and Marina are born on the ark. Like the core contains memories but it's somehow different to him.

Not gonna lie, Aeon's hot.

—°u°

hi hi °u°!

ooh congrats! saving up for the UR diamond arena reflections is a bitch, especially trying to complete the whole set as well, so hats off to you! also make sure to save up on poetry of time, memory track, and of course, gold, bc i just finished leveling aeon up to 80 and his stars to 5-0, and it floored my gold to the floor, so definitely do that.

so from what i can understand, lehman was able to find his memories bc he came from miraland, whereas aeon and marina do not seem to have a tie to miraland whatsoever. they have no family, nothing; they only have each other and the designers reflections. so there's a lot of possibilities as to where these two came from and why they exist in the ark in the first place.

i honestly love how aeon and marina have completely polar personalities, but yet they still fit together so well. and also it's funny bc it is literally canon that aeon can't say no to marina and that's so cute. also i think it's cool that both his chinese and japanese names means "universe" and in english, his name is synonym with "eternity" or "an absurdly long period of time". so that may play a role in any upcoming lore regarding him.

and yes, we love us a hot nerd,,,