Fall Zine 2018

Love Nikki's Fall Events

delicate suits of

that inspired the

explore the myths

A fashion deep dive

Get to know

Donsveertje

Fall Fashionistas

Vivi

Meet Miraland's

in our LookBook

Spiced Apple Fashion

Be Cozy with

Volume 1 Issue 2

Donsveertje

F A L L 2 0 1 8

41 Through The Looking Glass by Artemis

39 Artist Spotlight: Donsveertje by Astie

33 Send Help by Yasjupe

27 Apple Federal Fashion by Dayan

23 Vivi Gaming Interview by Koda

53 Love Notes: POP Nikki Fanmail

19 Fall Lookbook by Ms. Loki, Zemiki, Dayan

13 A Stylist's Perspective by Mythology Stan

Galactic Classics & Stellar Atlas by Jill @lesbienes

3 Fall 2018 Events Recap & Cultural Notes

Table of Contents

By: Val @vallustrations

October

September

August

July

Love Nikki Fall Events Recapand Cultural Notes

By: Val @vallustrations

25th - 31st: Koinobori Kimono

25th - 31st: The Fox Wedding Pavilion

25th: Momo's Birthday

JULY

15th - 21st: The Smile Circus

By: Val @vallustrations

24th - 3rd: Dawn Front, Daybreak War

14th - 20th: LN x UNESCO Project,

15th - 20th: Cloud Tanabata Festival

Night of Starfall

24th - 31st: Let's Hanami

Mind Code

AUGUST

4th - 10th: Star Secret III,

By: Val @vallustrations

13th - 20th: Yokai World

24th - 3rd: Dawn Front, Daybreak War

SEPTEMBER

4th - 10th: Fairy Tale Bottle

By: Val @vallustrations

26th - 1st: Colorful Halloween Game

26th - 1st: Sail of Hunt, Sea of Joy

25th - 12th: Art of War - Will of War

16th - 22nd: Ghost Candle

OCTOBER

28th - 3rd: Art of War - Wonderland

As long as she didn’t look out the window, Nikki could almost convince herself she was back home. Miraland was amazing, but it wasn’t home. She couldn’t vent to her sister, or cook breakfast with her father, or even talk to anyone she used to know. She needed a distraction. Find a distraction. Nikki really didn’t feel like having a breakdown right now, although having a good cry later when Momo wasn’t around would be nice. The sudden knocking on the door of the hotel room, therefore, wasn’t unwelcomed. “Come in.”Nikki was never very good at hiding her emotions. Especially when she was upset, like right now. Hopefully whoever was knocking on the door hadn't noticed how upset she was.“Nikki. I know that this is meant to be a break, but are you busy?”Kimi was a sight for sore eyes. It had been ages since they'd seen each other.“No. What do you need Kimi?”“I’ve been challenged to design an autumn line, but I’ve run into a… designer’s block and was hoping you would be willing to help me find an alternate perspective. You don't have to, but it would be a great help.”Well, she had been searching for a distraction. This was perfect timing.“Of course I will!”“Nikki, you are marvelous. Thank you. Now in order to design clothing with an autumn theme, we must fully understand the essence of the season.”

Written By: Mythology Stan Illustartiosn by: AyameTsukikia

A Stylist's Perspective

“Ah, the orchard seems to be in the middle of a rush. No matter, I'm sure they won't run out of baskets anytime soon. Should we take turns holding the basket and picking the apples?”“Works for me!”“Excellent! Lets see if we find any good apples over there.”The walk up the path was shorter than Nikki thought it would be. Maybe it was because she had gotten used to walking long distances during her travels? Whatever the reason was, it seemed like the two of them reached the apple trees in an instant. Although how Kimi managed to walk uphill over such uneven ground without tripping was a true mystery. At least the branches were low enough that neither of them had to climb anything to reach the apples. Nikki doubted even Kimi could could do that in heels. It was a truly beautiful place, once you got past the main entrance and into the depths of the actual orchard. The apples smelled so good, she almost regretted that Kimi had taken her to the cafe first. But she did get apple cider and apple pie. Nikki was having a great time, but she was having some doubts about how Kimi felt about the day. She hadn't seen Kimi take any notes. Was she upset about something?“We should start making our way back to your hotel room Nikki.”“Just let me finish this pie.”“Of course.”

Kimi seemed stressed, and if there was one thing Nikki would never forgive herself herself for, it was abandoning a friend in need. And that was how Nikki ended up at a cafe drinking pumpkin spice lattes with Kimi after almost having a breakdown.The cafe itself was filled with seasonal decorations and limited time food. It was actually really nice, being able to relax instead of running around competing in different styling contests, never staying in one place for more than a day. Nikki really needed this, even if it technically was still work. “How did you know about this place?”Nikki hadn't heard of this cafe before. She could have sworn that Bobo had dragged her to every cafe, coffee shop, and bakery in town during their first week in town, but somehow they had missed this one.“This cafe came highly recommended by a coworker. I thought it would be a peaceful start to our day. Have you enjoyed it?”“Yes, thank you for inviting me!”“It's my pleasure. Unfortunately, we don't have time to linger if we want to get through the rest of the day.” “I'm ready when you are.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Was this….a tourist trap? Well, it certainly wasn't what Nikki was expecting, but it did fit the fall theme. It was an apple orchard, covered in the gaudiest decorations Nikki had ever seen. Why did they have fake leaves everywhere?! She was pretty sure the trees had real leaves on them! At least once they got deeper into the orchard she wouldn't have to see decoration atrocities anymore.

Written By: Mythology Stan | Illustration by: AyameTsukikia

The sun went down and the fall cold set in just as they left. A slight breeze knocked even more leaves on the already carpeted ground.“We should jump in them.”Maybe that would cheer Kimi up. Nikki had fond memories of doing the same thing when she was younger. “What?”“Well...you said that you needed to understand the ‘essence’ of fall. What better way than jumping on leaves?”“Very well then. I shall trust your judgement. We should jump together.”Nikki was surprised when Kimi grabbed her hand. Kimi wasn't exactly a touchy person. She usually waited for the other person to make a move before she did anything. So this was unexpected, and not unwelcome. Maybe she had misinterpreted how Kimi felt earlier? Whatever the reason, Niki wasn't complaining. Together, the two girls leapt onto the leaves, as they crumpled with a very satisfying crunch, Nikki turned to Kimi.“Thank you for inviting me along. You didn't have to, and there must be lots of other people who-”“No, Nikki. Thank you. There are very few people I feel I can loosen up around. I can't think of anyone else I would rather have done all this with.”“Really? Well, them maybe we could do something like this again sometime.” “Nikki, that would be delightful.”

Written By: Mythology Stan | Illustration by: AyameTsukikia

The cold weather can't stop these fall cuties from wearing their adorable skirts and full smiles. Which of these styles have captured your heart?

Pumpkin

Background by Dayan

Aili

Gabriela

Wasteland doesn’t usually come to the mind as a cold nation, but careful! The scorching sun during the day completely contrasts the chilly night. Although, this is a chance for Gabriela showcases her gorgeous designs! The sweeping skirt, made with a lightweight breathable fabric, paired with elegant gold jewelry evokes a sophisticated air. The carefully embroidered jacket is her magnum opus, as the solar panel technology she implemented can conserve heat from the daytime to insulate the wearer at night. Now Gabriela can continue her environmental research without forgoing comfort or style!

Fall Lookbook

Classical or innovative, these two are rocking their fall looks while shopping for the best deals. Which fall look captured your wandering eye?

These two styles are brimming in elegance and class. What else can we expect from Pigeon and North. Which of these looks showcases the best of almost wintery style?

Hilda

Daiyu

Damian

Dara

Love Nikki - 2 months, 1mil gold, and 728 Star Coins later... HELLO, STAR SEA!!

110 Gacha Ticket Pulls - Miracle Nikki Gacha is Better Than Love Nikki's!

Your usual content tends to differ from most other LN youtubers. Most just stick with tutorials and suit breakdowns. However, some of your usual content includes lifetime suit crafting, competition shenanigans, and other unconventional videos. Your most viewed video, for example, is you pulling from the gold gatcha. Why do you do these video ideas, where most others would stick to the basics?Viv: I use YouTube/Twitch not just for tutorials, but also for entertainment. I always try to add comedy in my videos. I hope that in making videos like these, I can bring laughter to my audience. Life can be tough and sometimes it feels like the world is against you. We all need a little laughter to brighten up our day.

First, can you introduce yourself?Vivi: First off, I just wanna say I’m so honored to be chosen for this interview. Hi, I'm Viv, born and raise in beautiful, sunny California. I spend most of my day at work in a major tech company. When I'm not working, I enjoy gaming. I play games on all different platforms: Mobile, PC, Switch, VR, etc. I'm an animal lover, having own 2 cats and 2 dogs. I also enjoy traveling because my best friends live all around the world and I love traveling to see them. So, what got you into Love Nikki in the first place?Vivi: One of my best friends, TeddyPomPom (IG: iamteddypompom), introduced me to Love Nikki about a year ago. I downloaded it not thinking I would get into it, but I got hooked fast. When Teddy saw me on her friend list at V7 within only weeks of playing, her initial reaction was regret because RIP my credit card. Lolz

Why did you start a YouTube channel about Love Nikki?Viv: I've always wanted to share my gaming adventures, but was never able to because I didn't know how to record. In 2017, right when I was playing Love Nikki, iOS 11 released the screen record feature, and that's when I started uploading videos.

By: Koda The online Love Nikki Community is vast, reaching over several online platforms, but one Youtuber, Vivi Gaming, has become someone that seemingly everyone is familiar with. Vivi brings a lively flourish to her videos, creating tutorials, crafting lifetime suits, and breaking down new events. With 23k subscribers, and over 3,000,000 lifetime views, Vivi is one of the most popular figures in the LN community. For this issue of POPNikki, we have an exclusive interview with Vivi herself!

A Interview With Vivi Gaming

What is your favorite suit(s)?Viv: Cosmos Tide, Blessed Bark (cute puppers), and Beat of Abyss. Finally, do you have any advice for newer players? Viv: Save those diamonds! I know it's tempting to spend them in the gacha or for bonus attempts, but try your best to save them. You will eventually get everything in the gacha / bonus attempts with time, but events are time-limited. I suggest saving diamonds for event suits. And that wraps up our interview! I hope all of our readers have gotten a better look at Vivi, and why she runs her channel. Please remember to check out Vivi’s channel and twitch, and stay fashionable, stylists!

What was your best gatcha pull?Viv: My fiance Lei helped me get both a Peafowl item and Winter Miracle item in a single BUY 100 pull. It was my first Winter Miracle piece. I was beyond surprised because I rarely get any new items in the gold gacha. He was able to pull two!

Speaking of unconventional, you also regularly stream this game. What's your reasoning behind streaming a dress-up game?Viv: As a Twitch staff, I want to familiarize myself with the platform, so I picked up streaming. At Twitch, the biggest games are currently Dota2, Fortnite, and WoW and the audience are majority male. You're right, streaming a dress-up game is unconventional. My goal is to bring fashion and a whole new audience to Twitch. Show them Twitch isn't just dudes shooting, fighting, and killing stuff. I encourage everyone to do something different, too! :) How do you feel about the success your channel has garnered? Viv: I am jungshooked. I have all my amazing viewers to thank. They are my everything and I appreciate their support so, so much. <3 Do you plan to expand your content to other games?Viv: Yup! I currently play World of Warcraft religiously. I play Royal Chaos and Food Fantasy with my LN friends and guildmates. I also play Pokemon Go, but doing a video on this would be challenging since it's augmented reality. Hoping to share my adventures on the other games.Do you play any other dress up games?Viv: Royal Chaos, a dress up RPG based in ancient China. If you could create your own Love Nikki event, what would it be?Viv: An event that costs gold instead of diamonds or real money.Do you have a favorite mode in Love Nikki?Viv: Questing. The story is getting spicy!

A Interview With ViviGaming

Some suits in Apple’s gallery look just like outfits you can see in real life through fashion magazines and catalogs, or even being worn by a stylish friend. On the other hand, there are suits that reflect other aspects of real life, such as school, work, and interests like music. There are all these great and interesting categories that Apple suits can fit into. However, it’s understandably difficult to visualize them because the gallery seems to place them in a random order. But by sorting the suits into categories, it’s not only pleasing to the eye to see them organized, but you also can clearly see how interesting the variety is and appreciate Apple Federation fashion more!

A question I really enjoy asking my fellow Love Nikki players is, “What are your favorite Miraland nations?” Since the 7 nations have different defining styles between them, it gives me a sense of the type of clothes a person likes. For myself, there are three nations I am particularly fond of, and Apple Federation is one of them. Apple’s appeal is the great variety of styles found across its suits. With all the different styles, you’re likely to find at least a few suits that fit your tastes. Or, if you are like me and enjoy trying different styles, there’s a lot for you to love! Time Diary states that Apple Federation “...boasts fashionable and modern style,” which is very true since its fashions mirror today’s contemporary clothes.

By: Dayan

Nation Appreciation: Apple Federation

like medicine or music. If you like cool, graphic, and vibrant styles, there are suits that look like stylish concert attendees and hip skateboarders. If you like animals, there are quite a few suits that include animal motifs and cute animal companions!

While browsing through the gallery one day, I suddenly started to note how several suits in Apple could be grouped together! So while these aren’t official categories, it’s just a small thing I observed and wanted to explore further. I noticed how “Deer Elf” and “Picking Strawberry” are Mori Girl styles and fit along with an appropriately named “Mori Girl” suit. “Sugar Cheerleader”, “Prom Princess”, “Alumni Ace” and “Youth Melody” can be put together into a high school category. There are outfits that have a scholarly look to them and others that reflect various occupations,

By: Dayan

Nation Appreciation: Apple Federation

By: Dayan

Nation Appreciation: Apple Federation

While Apple Federation fashion is not as dramatic and regal as Pigeon Kingdom, or ornate and beautifully detailed as Cloud Empire, it’s versatile! I often find myself mixing simpler pieces from Apple with clothes from other nations to balance the look out. The simplicity and casualness of Apple can also make really nice outfits when paired with items from chapters’ maiden drops and the store. Though most Apple suits are based on contemporary fashion, there are a few suits that draw influence from travel in Miraland. The item descriptions of “Wilds Flower” and “Mrs Frein” mention Republic of Wasteland and Cloud Empire. It’s nice how the styles of these places have made their way into Apple, showing how different nations can inspire and influence each other. Miraland’s nations all have their own signature styles. And as cliché it is to say the different styles are what make them great, they truly are. So when I ask, “What are your favorite Miraland nations?”, there really isn’t a wrong answer; there are so many different things to appreciate from each one.

If you are more on the dressy side, there are fancy and elegant suits with chic gowns and trendy accessories. If you prefer simple and casual styles, you are able to find those in Apple as well. As I mentioned before, the variety of suits is so great and fun! Even if you are not a fan of Apple fashion in general, you might find a few items you might enjoy since there are so many different styles!

He notices a soft light at the end of the street. How curious, Sapphire thinks as he walks in the direction of it. A sign with “Rosemary” written on it in neat, cursive lettering looks back at him. It appears to be a store of some kind. A florist, perhaps, Sapphire muses, taking note of the hanging plants and flowers in front of the checkered windows. He then notices the worn logo of a coffee cup just behind a particularly tall tuft of asters. The scent of cinnamon and coffee wafts assaults his senses, reminding Sapphire that he hasn’t eaten since leaving the Pigeon Kingdom. He takes a step and pauses, before taking out his pocket watch. The last train to Pigeon leaves in half an hour. There’s probably food at the station, or on the train itself. Is it really worth it to waste time at a café? What if someone there recognises him? Or worse, reports him to the police? What will his family think when they find out? What if—? “Excuse me sir.” A soft voice breaks Sapphire out of his reverie. He unclenches his fist (when had he clenched it?) before looking up to see a tall, handsome man in front of him. He’s wearing a white shirt adorned with stains, over it an apron. Brown strands of hair frame his face. His russet eyes are filled with concern. There is a faint whiff of bitterness coming off him. “I don’t mean to be rude,” the man continues, “but would you like to come inside? You’ve been standing there for a while and the wind appears to be picking up.” Sapphire pastes on a smile of his own. “Ah, thank you for the offer but I’m alright. Really.” “Are you sure?” The man tilts his head slightly. “You’re starting to look pale, and,” he smiles, “I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.” Sapphire feels his face heat up. “I’m quite certain. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

Written by Yasjupe | Illustrated by Sailor Spencer

Send Help

Night has fallen. Stars are scattered across a wide expanse of navy. The moon hides behind her cloudy veil, leaving Wheat Field in relative darkness save for a lone street lamp. The streets are quiet and empty. A chilling wind roars through, disturbing the leaves. They roll and tumble across the concrete path, crackling as they go. They dance until one of them gets trapped by a well-crafted boot. The autumn wind continues to blow as a strange man walks aimlessly through the street. His elegant, tailored style stands out in the quaintness of Wheat Field. He wears a grey dress shirt with a fitted charcoal vest. His gloved hands are tucked into his trouser pockets. He fidgets with something inside of them; it makes a clicking sound. His face is obscured by the shadow of his top hat. Sapphire can’t remember the last time he’s had time to himself. His days go by like a blur. The duties of a Pigeon noble are plenty, whether it be attending dinner parties or business meetings with foreign nobles. Whatever breaks he receives are spent training to be a man worthy of the title Phantom Thief. It’s unfair. Ever since Sofia left to join the December Troupe, his family proclaimed him to be the heir of the The Phantom Thief family. While he enjoys travelling, whatever thrill he gets from stealing and being a wanted man isn’t worth his parents’ disappointed faces when they compare him to his elder sister.

“...Right.” Sapphire hastily clears his throat before looking at the chalkboard menus behind the man. His eyes fall on one particular chalkboard. There are little doodles of maple leaves and pumpkins along the border. An arrow (yelling TRY ME) points to a bubble. MASALA CHAI is written in it in big, orange lettering. “Can I try that one?” Sapphire points to the chalkboard. “Ah, the masala chai?” the man says, smiling widely.. “Of course. It’s a wonderfully spiced milk tea. It originates from Southern Cloud. One of my personal favourites.” The man types into the cash register. “That’ll be 5000 gold, please.” Sapphire hands him the diamonds and sits in the chair closest to the door. He watches as the man ties his hair in a half-up half-down ponytail before getting to work. Soon, the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon wafts through the air. Once the barista seems satisfied with the drink, he carefully pours it into a white teacup. His brow furrows in concentration. He slowly walks to Sapphire’s table. “Here you go,” he says, placing it down in front of him. Sapphire nods in thanks and takes a sip, flinching as the hot liquid hits his tongue. “Ah! Be careful!” The man goes to prevent the cup from spilling. They brush fingers for a moment. They both freeze. Sapphire feels the other man curl his fingers for a moment before letting go. “Well,” he says, putting on a smile. Sapphire swears he sees a hint of red on his cheeks. “I better go. Enjoy your drink!”

Written by Yasjupe | Illustrated by Sailor Spencer

Just as he says that a loud rumble makes itself known. Sapphire’s face turns redder in embarrassment. The man laughs. “‘Okay, now you have to come in,” he says, giving a cheeky grin. “No-one should to leave Lilith on an empty stomach!” Sapphire blinks in shock as the man heads inside. “How did you—?” “Think everyone knows with how loud you were mumbling.” He gestures to Sapphire to follow him, which he does after snapping out of his momentary shock. -x- The bell rings as the door opens. The café is much warmer than the streets of Wheat Field. The walls are littered with shelves (many filled with old books) and motivational phrases. Plush chairs surround low, mahogany tables. A simple chandelier hangs from the ceiling, emitting a soft, yellow light. As Sapphire takes in the café, the man goes behind the counter. He leans on it and places his chin in his hand. “So, what can I get you?” “Huh?”The man gives him a look. “Sir, this is a café. And you seem hungry. I insist you order something.”

The man begins to walk away but stops in his tracks. “I forgot to ask: what’s your name?”Sapphire thinks for a few moments before saying, “Sky” “Sky…” he repeats. “That’s a nice name. I’m Dan.” “Pleased to be of your acquaintance, Dan,” Sapphire smiles before finishing his chai. “Thank you letting me stay. The tea was lovely” “Thank you,” Dan says, a bright grin on his face. “Hope to see you around!” Sapphire salutes him in return. “You too.” As Sapphire walks out of the café, into the autumn chill, he reflects on the experience he had with Dan. He thinks about how peaceful he felt in the café. How he felt more at ease with Dan, a man he had only known for a short while, than with anyone in his own family. How for once he felt like a normal man and not the heir of the Phantom Thief family. “Dan…” he thinks, his shoulders feeling lighter. “What a lovely name…” -fin-

Written by Yasjupe | Illustrated by Sailor Spencer

For more of Donsveertje check out her art blog!

Q: Has the game inspired you or influenced your art? A: Definitely! Aside from it giving me the opportunity to reach a different audience and join projects like these, it has also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I used to not really be one to draw cutesy things or frilly dresses, but here we are! Q: Do you have any favorite memories working on POPNikki?A: Oh! Yes! When we were making the summer edition cover with a small group of artists, the way we all worked together and took on our own tasks was amazing. And the cover turned out so beautiful, because everyone brought their own skills to it.

Q: How did you get into drawing? What has been the biggest motivator when it comes to your art?A: I’ve always drawn a lot as a kid, but I only seriously started trying to get good at it around the age of 10, copying everything from those ‘how to draw manga’ books and looking at artists online. My biggest motivators these days are projects like this; challenging me to make the best work I can possibly make.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to tell new players?A: DON’T spend all your diamonds on things you can get for free with a little patience and if you’re planning on using a guide, input your wardrobe before it gets too big. You’ll be spending days doing it then. Q: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring artists?A: Are you an aspiring artist? CONGRATULATIONS! You’re already an artist! You don’t need to be a pro (or want to be one) or have finished art school to be an artist. Make art as often and as much as you can, observe everything around you and try not to stay in your comfort zone for too long. You’ll learn so many new things!

Q: How did you get into Love Nikki?A: My girlfriend played it pretty much obsessively. I sort of thought ‘wow, why such a dumb dress-up game?’, but eventually got roped into it. And now we play this dumb dress-up game together with the many friends we have also converted to the Love Nikki lifestyle.

Q: First off, please introduce yourself! Any hobbies? Interests?A: Hello! My name is Veerle (though people usually call me Beetle) and I’m a Dutch artist and graphic designer. I spend my days drawing, listening to music, gaming, and recently have gotten into doll customizing as well. I also have a cat named Bee, who is the light of my life.

Written By: AstieHowdy everyone! Astie from the POPNikki team here back with another interview, this time with the wonderful Beetle! They are an invaluable member of our team and an incredibly talented artist. Below, I’ve asked her a few questions about herself and the process that goes into creating her art. Enjoy!

Artist Spotlight: Donsveertje

Nikki wakes to sunlight highlighting the dust on the car’s window and soft music playing through her right earbud (the left one was broken and Nikki held too much sentimental value to throw them away). The sky outside is saturated, sanguine where it is not sapphire, oranges to soften the edges and sand down the jagged pieces, pinks that flush and dot their i’s with a heart. She checks her phone: Thirteen new messages. Eleven from Momo in their sibling group chat, all of them the same dabbing turtle emoji(save for one message but it was just a screenshot of the lyrics to “It’s Not Unusual”), all within the span of a minute. One that calls her Christine and offers her a coupon. One from their wireless service provider, informing them how much of their monthly plan was used up. They’d passed 90% half an hour ago and it was about a week until the end of the cycle. Well. Hayley Kiyoko stares at Nikki from her phone screen. Nikki stares guiltily back. Pointedly taking out her earbuds and shutting off her phone, Nikki stretches, or at least tries to as the seat belt suddenly traps her. The click of the release mechanism is what causes Nina to glance into the rear-view mirror. “Hey kid,” she drawls, settling her eyes back on the road. There’s not much of a need, as there’s barely anyone on the local streets. “Decided to stop draining our data for the day?” Her words are lighthearted and there’s a sly grin in her tone but her voice is hoarse and tense, like she’d been crying for some time. That would make two of them then. In any case, Nikki doesn’t really comprehend the sentence when her mind is still rooted elsewhere, 1,000 miles and a week before. Her sister looks into the mirror again. “Nikki?” she repeats.

By: FishboneIllustration by: ArtisticArmoury

Through the Looking-Glass: Prologue

Written by Fishbone | Illustration by ArticticArmoury

Nikki blinks harshly and turns her head, pretending to admire the view. It’s odd that her tear ducts are still working. She wishes for the polished yellow wood floors of their house, she wishes for the countless pictures crammed into any available frame and arranged on any available space. She wishes that by some miracle of clairvoyance she had seen her present self, miserably going about life, and had stopped their father from going on that trip. You can’t really use the term “MIA” for a photographer who, as far as they could tell, had no reason to disappear. Nikki entertains the possibility that he’d just gotten sick of taking care of three brats alone and had this escape planned for years but she does not consider her father to be that sort of man and her siblings can barely be considered brats(most of the time). Would one brat be too much for a parent? One and a half maybe? Yet again she has to remind herself firmly, it’s only been a few weeks. Coming here, to Mira(even the name sounds foreign on her tongue), is a temporary arrangement. Their mother will comfort them, Nikki will put on a brave face for a few days, then Dad will pop up again. He’ll have a friendly chat with a woman he’ll pretend he isn’t married to, drive all three of them home and dust off the furniture, all before the school year begins. It doesn’t sound too bad, and she has enough black clothing in her closet in case the need to mourn comes up. Nikki almost physically flinches at her callousness. That was completely unlike her. Who is she to act so nonchalant? Nikki’s mentally berating herself for being so crass at a time like this. Those are jokes she would never make in her right mind. The tragedy of the situation must be messing with her head because she would never even entertain the thought of joking about death. Play the grieving daughter or the infantilized teen in denial, and choose one at the very least.

“Hey kid,” she drawls, settling her eyes back on the road. There’s not much of a need, as there’s barely anyone on the local streets. “Decided to stop draining our data for the day?” Her words are lighthearted and there’s a sly grin in her tone but her voice is hoarse and tense, like she’d been crying for some time. That would make two of them then. In any case, Nikki doesn’t really comprehend the sentence when her mind is still rooted elsewhere, 1,000 miles and a week before. Her sister looks into the mirror again. “Nikki?” she repeats. “I heard you.” Nikki smiles by instinct and lowers her eyelids slightly for a approaching-dreamy-but-still-unreadable expression. “Just tired, I guess.” Her words sound stiff, but then again, so have all her conversations with her siblings recently. “I’ll help pay the fee if we go over our limit for the month,” she tacks on suddenly, aware that no longer did they have their father’s steady income. Yes. She had almost forgotten. “Don’t worry about it, I’m the legal guardian here.” Nina says teasingly, but it doesn’t really sound like words or anything. If Nikki’s being honest, it blends into the background, along with Momo’s snoring and the hum of the car. Dad's gone. Perhaps if someone asked her where her father was, she’d plaster on a smile and assure them of his safety. ‘Oh no, it’s not as bad as it seems, he told us that his client needed more time.’ ‘His phone probably broke, it’s happened before.’ Even a ‘He’s just not here right now’ would have sufficed. Here they are, dusky skies and fast food-fueled lethargy, driving on cobblestone roads in a strange town, going to live with a mother they have not seen for years. Nikki feels tired from crying in the hotel bathrooms, then throwing a cold towel over her face, then repeating that process. She wants to sleep even though she’s probably slept for more than she has in her entire life.

Written by Fishbone | Illustration by ArticticArmoury

Another con of crying, being so disoriented that you almost drop the box your older sister hands you. Nikki barely registered following Nina to the back of the car, much less Nina opening up the trunk. Unfortunately, what she does register is the chortling coming from behind the two boxes supported by Momo’s pesty 14 year old paws. The weight of a box marked “nikki’s clothes 1/infinity lololol” is heavy in her arms and Nikki focuses on Momo’s messy Sharpie scrawl, eyes tracing each Someone had placed a stand up chalkboard sign on the sidewalk alongside a wrought iron table with two chairs. Nikki glances at it as she follows Nina into the store, noting the complementary pastries with purchases $30 and above. If she were to speak the truth, “Legacy Three” feels dreamlike, and cozy, and completely something straight out of her fantasies. Even the pretty chalk promises of “customization, patterns, and tailoring all available at L’s Design Workshop!” appeal to a part of Nikki that just wants to squeal and clutch her chest and read perhaps every design book there is. However, even the prospect of fashion history and hands-on design experience cannot overwrite just how much Nikki’s nerves enjoy overreacting. She wipes her damp hands on her legs, and is all too aware of her disgustingly runny nose even though it’s 85 degrees outside. Cons of crying, she supposes. Another con of crying, being so disoriented that you almost drop the box your older sister hands you. Nikki barely registered following Nina to the back of the car, much less Nina opening up the trunk. Unfortunately, what she does register is the chortling coming from behind the two boxes supported by Momo’s pesty 14 year old paws. The weight of a box marked “nikki’s clothes 1/infinity lololol” is heavy in her arms and Nikki focuses on Momo’s messy Sharpie scrawl, eyes tracing each nearly indecipherable letter to the pounding of her heart. A small bell tinkles as Nina swings the door open, the wooden “OPEN” sign swaying to the soft string quartet of a gramophone.

Grieving would cause less arguments, she thinks. The car is moving a lot slower now. Momo’s awake too, begrudgingly but it counts. Nina parks on the street, behind a shiny black convertible. The sun has gone down completely, but the old-fashioned lamps lining the street haven’t turned on yet. Nikki betrays nothing of her little crisis. “Finally!” Momo says, scrambling out of the door on his side. Nikki follows suit, chastising Momo for being so loud that the pigeons on the street have all scattered, stepping onto the dark brick sidewalk, getting a good look at her temporary place of residence. (She’s fallen out of character already) The shop on the corner of the street looks akin to something out of a fairytale. The outside is freshly painted in a pretty mint, with large paneled windows that showcase the interior. The bricks that make up the two stories above the shop are light pink-brown, space broken up nicely with cream-colored bay windows. There was even a balcony, with ivy threading through its wrought iron railings.The shop itself is lit up warmly, a soft glow peeking out behind the mannequins on display. Someone had placed a stand up chalkboard sign on the sidewalk alongside a wrought iron table with two chairs. Nikki glances at it as she follows Nina into the store, noting the complementary pastries with purchases $30 and above. If she were to speak the truth, “Legacy Three” feels dreamlike, and cozy, and completely something straight out of her fantasies. Even the pretty chalk promises of “customization, patterns, and tailoring all available at L’s Design Workshop!” appeal to a part of Nikki that just wants to squeal and clutch her chest and read perhaps every design book there is. However, even the prospect of fashion history and hands-on design experience cannot overwrite just how much Nikki’s nerves enjoy overreacting. She wipes her damp hands on her legs, and is all too aware of her disgustingly runny nose even though it’s 85 degrees outside. Cons of crying, she supposes.

Written by Fishbone | Illustration by ArticticArmoury

The first thing that Nikki notices are the glasses perched on her face. Delicate gold-rimmed glasses, almost invisible until you were right in front of them. The soft lights of the store seem too harsh now that they were being so odd and bouncing off the glass directly into Nikki’s eyes. Nikki would curse those lights for obstructing her mother from her vision but Nikki doesn’t like to curse and it’s not like people like her cursing either. Anyways. What color are her mother’s eyes? Nikki promptly forgets every photograph she’s ever seen of her mother as she turns her neck around with great difficulty, still wrapped in the hug. Pink hair flies into her mouth, and Nikki ponders on the possibility of dying her own hair. Her ribcage politely informs her that it needs immediate hospital care. As her mother goes to engage in a hugging power competition with Momo, Nikki slows her breathing and tries to force her eyes to truly take in her mother. Her hair isn’t exactly pink, at least not like the pale strawberry on the dye box Nikki bought on a whim but stuffed somewhere vowing to never think about it again. It’s strawberry blonde, drawn back in an elegant updo save for a few romantic tendrils. When she turns around, Nikki catches a glimpse of dark brown eyes, too shiny to be without tears, and notes a spread of freckles across her forehead. Her complexion is darker than Nikki’s own, but Nikki sees the same long nose she sees in mirrors. An exchange of sentiments is made, some individuals more tearful than others. “How have you been”s and “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown”s, passed like blue-lined hole-punched slips of paper, weighing heavy on Nikki’s heart. There is something just so excruciatingly solid and grounded about how the woman in front of her can fondly (and rather cheesily) say “you have no idea how much I missed you all”. “Are any of you hungry? I know the trip here must have taken so long, and oh! There’s also leftover pastries you could try! I tested a new apricot thumbprint cookie today, but I could also start dinner right now? I’m alright with whatever yo- my children need.”

Their mother (mothermothermothermothermother, Nikki rolls the word around in her mouth) is there. As she would be, it’s her store, why wouldn’t she be there, that was a silly statement Nikki. Still, Nikki kinda wishes they were still on the road or something because her blouse is creased and ill-fitting and the back of her hair feels tangled and her jaw has seemingly locked in place. First impressions should be her forte. Some measure of time certainly must have passed, but Nikki’s eyes are trained on her painstakingly pristine white flats and not the large clock in the corner of the shop so she isn’t sure if it were a few seconds or a few minutes. She’s already stopped all vital organ functions except the sending of telepathic brain “SOS”s to Nina. The first move was (not made by herself, she thanks the gods) a hug. Nina was a hugger, and so initiated a hug, dispelling the awkwardness before the hug. Following her example, Nikki dropped her box and joined in on the hug, except she wasn’t really part of the hug, just throwing her arms around the already hugging pair. She then teeters on the edge of retracting her arms or keeping them there and ends up taking them back. The pair breaks free from their embrace effortlessly, and with good timing to boot. Nikki makes a mental note on the perfect range of time a hug should take in such a situation, but before she knows it there are two strong arms wrapping around her and Nikki’s mind blanks. Perhaps it’s a motherly thing but how is person able to exude so much warmth and care and funnel that into two cradling arms? The pressure around her is perfect and Nikki wonders if what she’s feeling is catharsis because it almost feels like everything she’s been bottling up for the past week is bubbling out of her, uncontained and unwarranted. At this moment her eyes are able to refocus through the sweat-not-tears and finally send some comprehensible signals to her brain, unlike her ears.

Written by Fishbone | Illustration by ArticticArmoury

her mother waves her hand and says “I want to hear everything you want to say,” which is completely unfair because how can she be so empathetic and confident in her words when Nikki herself cannot? Nikki becomes nervous when she finishes her tangent on thread tension, racking her brain for anything else she can say, but it seems nothing else is coming up. There’s a silence that she cannot decipher to be awkward or simply a much needed breathing break, but all that she knows is that it has the potential to become awkward. Usually, she would never be the one to lead a conversation, and she was fine with that because when she does, she never stops or she stops too early or something, somehow goes wrong. Things go wrong all the time, there’s probably some sort of statistic for it. Nikki knows that but can’t help it when she wishes she could never falter, never break from her facade, but it’s inevitable. Families separate. Grades drop. Fathers disappear. Oh. Right. At the very thought of her dad, another surge of guilt runs through Nikki because she’s been so engaged in this happiness, having such a grand time, she’s forgotten the reason she’s here in the first place. She’s not even talked about the elephant in the room with her mother, what kind of daughter is she? Her eyes sting and in this moment of vulnerability, the aftermath of spilling almost everything she thinks she could talk about, Nikki’s afraid she’s going to start weeping right on the lovely white lace tablecloth. She racks her brain for the best solution because bursting into tears is the last thing she wants to do right now. Suddenly, without her knowledge, her body is trying to pull off a yawn, as terribly overused as it may be, rubbing at her eyes with vigor. “Oh!” Her mother ushers her up and into her own bedroom because Nikki’s room is still probably being set up, saying things Nikki does not hear as she does, and fretting about with the blinds.

She speaks lightly, like butterfly wings in the cool summer night, like a breath of wind, like she could disappear at any second and Nikki would wake up to her life once more but Nikki faintly registers that her voice is trembling. There’s a pregnant pause in which even Nina, the resident icebreaker, comes up with nothing. Two hands belonging to two separate people twiddle with a strand of hair each. Nikki is momentarily stunned with the realization that she gets her habits from somewhere, or rather someone. Did she also inherit her mother’s I-don’t-really-know-what-to-do-right-now posture? “I’m starving!” Momo interjects, boisterous as ever, and their mother beams even harder(the benefits of being the youngest kicking in because Nikki thinks Momo should frankly learn how to act appropriately in a social situation, no matter how hypocritical it is of her) before leading them upstairs to the apartment above the shop. “I’ll save the tour for some other day, but! Here’s the kitchen, and the table, do you like the new chairs I got? I only had this little ol’ one here before but hopefully none of you mind a little bit of granny furniture right?” She gestures around the warmly lit apartment. “Feel free to look around! Make yourself at home. I want my children to feel comfortable here.” Sh- Mom breezes by them but Nikki swears there’s a smile on her face from saying “my children”. As her mother bustles about in the kitchen, Nina announces that they’ll get a start on unpacking, motioning for Nikki and Momo to follow her. There’s a lot of boxes, but most of their items arrived in Mira a few days earlier with the moving company. It takes relatively no time at all for the car to be cleaned out, so now Nikki sits at the table eating a sweet bread bun that she doesn’t exactly want but will still eat anyways. Momo is completely delighted at the baked goods and Nina has already collapsed on the couch from sheer exhaustion of driving for so long. Spared from the conversation, Nikki thinks enviously. But soon, her mother makes her feel comfortable and the chit-chat flows easily(if not a little stiff at first). Nikki finds herself talking about school and fashion and what her friends were like and when she stops, embarrassed by her rambling,

Written by Fishbone | Illustration by ArticticArmoury

-x-

To the parent/guardian of NIKKI QIJI AI , The admissions committee reviews each applicant in many areas, such as standardized test scores and student transcripts. Based on this criteria, we are pleased to offer your child admission to Sayet Academy of Arts. The next step in the admission process is completion of all legal documents. Attached is the admission agreement form, immunization form, medical examination form, academic honesty policy, photography consent form, and staff announcements. Please note that you will be required to mail these forms in before the first day of school. As an incoming JUNIOR transfer student your child is required to attend our orientation program, which will be on September 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Congratulations on your achievement. We look forward to having your child grow and develop into a well-rounded adult. Please do note that in the absence of receiving the admission agreement form, we will assume that your child will not be joining us in the school year. Best wishes, Principal Nanari Leroy-Brodeur

Nikki settles on the bed, embarrassed that it’s come to this but her mother shushes her successfully with “don’t worry about it” and “it probably was a very long day for you, right?” and throws the floral comforter over her. Nikki allows her eyes to slip shut while her mother smoothes out the creases on the cotton, before murmuring something she doesn’t catch. It’s all fine and dandy and she even kisses Nikki’s forehead, to which Nikki almost recoils from the shock. The door shuts quietly, and Nikki wonders how her mother can be so brave and how odd it feels to say “Mom” but how quickly she’s warming up to it and what will happen now that Dad is gone and will there be legal things to deal with and how Nikki knows next to nothing about law and speaking of knowing what school is she going to and how will she deal with college applications applications and how drowsy she feels even though she really shouldn’t be and how comfortable the mattress is. The sky outside is dusky and soft, bruised blues and their edges blurring into the horizon, wispy cotton candy clouds that cruise across the vast expanse of darkness. Nikki falls asleep to the dim lamplight painting shadows on the walls and crickets chirping outside a home with no sentimental value. Yet, she can’t help but think.

Crystal Clover [Youtube]Dat is so damn epicPlease make more of these ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Thank you for reading, participating, watching and commenting. POPNikki team could not ask for a better community. Send us more Love Notes through our Fall feedback.

shhbaby_isok [Reddit]I love it, so creative! Just the very existence of it - the fact that there is a DIGITAL zine, for a MOBILE GAME makes my inner fanthropologist's heart flutter! Not to mention the good job you guys did :) I especially liked the headcanons on how the different nations celebrate Halloween, the dressup challenge with the interactive spinny wheel, and the fan art of course :)

Anonymous [Tumblr] I just wanna say that you guys are awesome and we still support you! You're all cuties. Specially Roulette <3 keep making awesome content for us (Momo slaves) Love Nikki players!

bluecoattallmadge [Tumblr]Oh GodI am astounded and speechlessIt looks great! I read it all and I love it! The articles are very well written, all the pictures/ avis/ art look amazing, the personality quiz was fucking great (I belong to the republic of wasteland!) and the fanfiction was just lovely! I really look forward to more from you guys! <3

Anonymous [Zine Feedback Form]Amazing job on the zine to the artists, writers, all the contributors and of course, the ones who started it all! [...] I loved looking through the art, the writing and the additional cool + interesting stuff like the quizzes or interviews. I can tell there was alot of thought put into this zine and it really makes me feel like I'm flipping through an actual fashion magazine! I'm curious to see what's in store with what you guys will do for any future projects. Thank you so much for creating something so wholesome and fun!

Anonymous [Tumblr] omg I was just checking out the site and WOW did you guys really pull off something spectacular- I didn't even know Iri was on the team until now! The custom avatars are also all so BEAUTIFUL!! (The end of the scavenger hunt was preeetty satisfying ngl). Great job guys! Can't wait for more- congrats on opening!

GlitterUnicornPuke [Reddit] [...] I remember looking at the table of contents and being like HOW did they put together nearly 50 pages of content? I think by the time I got to the knitting section, THAT was what clinched it for me and I was sold on this being kind of the best OG content on Love Nikki. I'm amazed there isn't more feedback - Y'all worked so hard on this, and I really wanted to give you some <3 as it's clear this was an incredible labor of love :)

We got a lot of love since we started this project. Your words inspire us to make more and do better. Here are some of our faves. [Edited for length and spelling.]

Love Notes

Editor-in-Chief: Lilly POPNikki Team Aeris . ArtisticArmoury . Astie . Ayame Tsukika . Clow . Dayan . Donsveertje . Fishbone . Haley . Hoivess . Inky . Iri . Jill . Joltik . Koda . Legs . Little Avalonia . Sailor Spencer . Ms. Loki . Mythology Stan . Nymphy . Red . Roulette . Royce . Sophie . SweateaSpells . Val . YasJupe . Zemiki Sources Special thanks to Sweet Cupcake from "Nikki's Info" Ms. Loki for transparent assets

CONTRIBUTORS + SOURCES

Logo by: rosepitygirl Front cover by: Donsveertje, with assistance from Vallustrations Back cover by Vallustrations

Please do not distribute the images or articles without permission from the authors and artists. Love Nikki content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of their respective publisher and its licensors.All rights reserved. POPNikki is not affiliated with Elex Technology or SuZhou Nikki Co., Ltd.© 2018 | POPNIKKI

Fall Zine 2018

Over 30 million people create interactive content in Genially

49ERS GOLD RUSH PRESENTATION

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL WITH REVIEW

INTRO INNOVATE

FALL ZINE 2018

BRANCHES OF U.S. GOVERNMENT

QUOTE OF THE WEEK ACTIVITY - 10 WEEKS

Transcript