jikan_rpg | June | Event: Trial of the Soul

June | Event: Trial of the Soul

Trial of the Soul↲ OOC Plotting

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By now, most Refugees have likely experienced various side effects of Kizuna while living in Nippon. Most of these effects have been mild, but occasionally, they've produced dangerous results due to Kizuna's unstable nature as pure Sora magic. But more than just a minor annoyance, studying how to harness Kizuna is vital to the NRL's goal of fixing the refugees' home worlds. And yet the professors of MRU have been limited in what they can do to assist the scientists in Tokyo with that goal.

But all that is about to change, as MRU announces a special collaboration with the Oni Clans of Kyushu regarding ancient Kizuna practices. Although Oni are not particularly known for their magical prowess, it's believed that the concept of Kizuna bonds originated in Oni culture. As such, they are by and far considered the best source to figure out the true nature of Kizuna.

Up until now, the Oni of Kyushu haven't been receptive to MRU's requests to help the refugees, due to infighting between the two leading Oni Clans. But it seems something has changed their minds...

A Tales of Two Clans

Naturally, the MRU isn't expecting the Refugees to volunteer to head to Kyushu for free. All Refugees willing to participate in the research will be rewarded financially for their time, in addition to being provided food and lodging during their stay. Just think of it as a nice little summer vacation!

But getting to Kyushu is no simple task. Although one could certainly take the train, it'd be a two-day trip, as Kyushu is located on the westernmost island of Nippon. Thankfully, many refugees have technically already been there: Kyushu is the region above which the Tengu city of Miyazaki sits. And with a little help from the Tengu, a new teleportation terminal is added to the region below, allowing for instant travel between Kyushu and Tokyo/Kyoto.

But when they arrive, they may find that their experiences will vary greatly depending on which city their lodgings are located, as Oni culture varies greatly depending on which Clan controls that territory.

Passive Aggressions Kumamoto, Kyushu
Those with lodgings in Western Kyushu will find themselves in the city of Kumamoto, located in Ao Oni territory. The Oni here all have vibrant blue skin, and the refugees will find that the locals are both friendly and curious about them. Aside from a handful of Inu Yokai, very few other varieties of Yokai can be found living in Oni territory, and no humans whatsoever.

Refugees will be housed in a resort located near the ocean shore, where they'll be treated to gourmet five course meals, a natural outdoor hot spring, and even complimentary massages. It's the height of luxury, though it does come at a bit of a cost. Although the Ao Oni are polite, there's always a distinct sense that they're being looked down on -- a certain passive aggression, as they show wonder in the fact the refugees can do anything for themselves. Whether it be constant compliments over their ability to use chopsticks and speak the language, or outright disbelief that they can perform magic or fight, it's hard to say whether it's founded in malice or ignorance. Especially seeing as many will remark that they've never met humans before.

As one of the more popular cities in Kyushu, Refugees may wish to explore some of the shopping districts, where artisan crafts and unique fashion can be purchased. Unlike typical fashion in Nippon, Oni fashion leans towards the risque, as their vibrant colored skin is a mark of pride. Kimono are often cropped at the sleeves and left open, with minimal fabric underneath to maintain modesty. Still, men are rarely going around outright topless, and will always wear something to cover those pesky male presenting nipples, be it a tube top, thin strips of fabric, or even leather straps.

If the Refugees hope to be treated with a bit more respect, switching to the local fashion is perhaps the only way to go. And hey, it's pretty hot in Kyushu, so surely it's a win-win situation!

Tsunderoni Oita, Kyushu
Refugees staying in the Eastern half of Kyushu will instead be taken to the city of Oita, located in Aka Oni territory, where the Oni possess bright red skin. Unlike the Ao Oni, the Aka Oni are far less friendly. Even those in charge of the refugees' housing will seem somewhat disinterested, simply showing them to their rooms in a small inn without fanfare. There's no luxury to be found here, though at least the food is decent.

The streets of Oita are a very different sight than what the Refugees may be used to in Nippon. Kyushu is an island rife with volcanic activity, and all throughout Oita, thick plumes of steam can be found rising out of buildings and from the sewers below the street. As such, the entire city is extremely humid, which some may even find to be downright unbearable. And while the inside of every building is equipped with powerful cooling spells, it may discourage some from exploring.

But perhaps that's for the best. Those who walk the streets of Oita will find themselves being treated as an oddity, with many businesses hesitant in serving them. Some locals may even be outright hostile, picking fights and jeering at them in streets. Those bearing obvious Kizuna effects will receive the brunt of this treatment.

And yet those same refugees will find that these encounters may in fact spawn additional Kizuna effects, on both themselves and the Oni harassing them, as if a bond were made between them. Nevermind the fact that Kizuna bonds between refugees and natives are usually very rare, the fact that there's a bond at all certainly implies that their hostility isn't hostility at all. Are the Aka Oni just really bad at dealing with new people??

Revolutionary Bond Kizuna

After a few days of familiarizing themselves with the Oni and the region of Kyushu, all refugee volunteers are taken to a small region of Oita known as Beppu, where elders from the two Oni clans are waiting for them in front of a large shrine. Behind them, many natural springs filled with boiling water create a smokey atmosphere, with the water occasionally boiling over and shooting into the sky like a geyser. They certainly know how to pick location to set a mood.

"Humans and halfings have long made a habit of taking that which they do not fully understand. These Kizuna bonds were once an important part of maintaining a unified Oni nation, but fell to the wayside as Clan divisions grew deeper.

Today, only fragments of those bonds remain, carried across generations through our blood. It is a powerful magic that binds souls together, weaving their connection into the fabric of reality itself!

...understandably, it grew less popular as divorce became more commonplace."

That's right: Kizuna bonds are an ancient Oni marriage ritual.

They continue to explain that the form of Kizuna used by the refugees has been mutated due to the sheer size of the bond that keeps them in Nippon. This is what causes the severe side effects, and is likely the reason that some refugees are able to manipulate reality to a small extent through wishes or other means.

To address these issues, the Oni's plan is two-fold. First, they'll teach the Refugees a secret arte that will allow them to wield the Kizuna they produce. And then, they ask that all refugees participate in three trials once performed by all Oni prior to their marriage. This is so they can better appreciate the gift they possess, and hopefully better understand the culture behind that power.

Soul Artifacts Beppu, Oita
Kizuna magic is a type of pure Sora magic, which is magic that deals with the soul. Thus, Kizuna bonds are bonds between two souls. But that bond can also be used to summon a construct known as a Soul Artifact. This is the magic the Oni will teach the Refugees how to perform, as the act of summoning an Artifact will help use some of the excess Kizuna that would otherwise produce side effects.

Soul Artifacts are physical representations of the soul. They can take any shape or form, and some even have special abilities. While it is possible for someone to summon their own soul artifact, it is far easier to have someone else who they are bonded with summon it instead.

The spell itself is deceptively simple. Simply calling someone's name and picturing an item being drawn from their chest is enough to summon the Soul Artifact. But the simplicity of it doesn't mean it'll be easy, and for most Refugees, they'll spend the first hour or so calling each other's names while awkwardly grabbing at each other's chests.

But eventually, should their bond be significantly strong enough, the image of what that artifact is will suddenly appear in their mind, allowing them to draw it out. While the Artifact can be anything from a weapon to an ordinary household item, the color scheme and general appearance will reflect the person it was drawn from. Likewise, all Artifacts are allowed one magical ability that may vary based on the bond between the pair.

Feel free to get creative with this! A knight may draw a sword from his princess's chest capable of shooting energy beams. A librarian may draw a book from her lover's chest that can predict the future one week ahead. A dominatrix may draw a dildo from her sub's chest capable of growing three times its size. As the most powerful magic in the world, Kizuna can do seemingly anything!

Really, it's no wonder the Oni want the Refugees to learn how to control it.

The Trials of Beppu Kyushu, Nippon
Those willing to accept the Oni's terms must participate in the Trials of Beppu, an ancient rite of passage once required of all Oni before the Clan leaders could approve of their marriage. Although the tradition is no longer widely practiced, the Clan leaders insist that the Refugees take part in order to show respect for the Kizuna they wield.

As Refugees are capable of bonding with anyone, they will be allowed and encouraged to retake any trial as many times as needed with as many people as they have bonded with.

The first trial, the Trial of Promise, is the most simple. A bonded pair must enter a special cave located behind a massive waterfall in Takachiho Gorge, said to have been the very same cave where the goddess Amaterasu once hid herself away, causing all light in the world to disappear. Upon entering, the cave entrance will abruptly seal itself, shrouding the pair in darkness.

Should the pair's bond be sufficiently strong, the cave will light up, revealing a hidden message carved into the stone: "You cannot leave until you"... do what, exactly? The prompt will vary based on the pair in question. Some may need to kiss, others may need to fuck, and others still may need to tell a secret, defeat one another, or even attempt to kill one another. Upon successfully completing the trial, the entrance will open, allowing them to leave at their leisure.

The second trial, the Trial of Devotion, will have a bonded pair enter a forest at the foot of Mt. Aso at night, armed only with their partner's Soul Artifact. A gently sloped mountainside home to an active volcano, the pair must ascend to the highest peak just outside the forest before sunrise. Toxic fumes pouring from the volcano's caldera aside, the forest itself is filled with terrifyingly huge monsters, including dodongo, lavahounds who combust when threatened, and giant beetles called daikabuto who can grow as big as houses.

Thankfully, there's a trick to all of this: as long as they maintain physical contact with one another, a special spell will protect them from all harm, though they can still be pushed around by anything attempting to separate them. The spell will only last until morning, but will refresh with a kiss before the morning sun -- so they best make haste to the top if they want a chance of getting back safely. Those who return with their spell intact will pass the trial.

The third and final trial is the Trial of Love, though it seems rather poorly named. In this trial, a pair will wield each other's Soul Artifacts, and must engage in combat against one another. The goal is to destroy your own Artifact without destroying the one you are wielding. Thankfully, as Soul Artifacts are only representations of the soul, destroying them will have no ill effect. But it can be very painful, not unlike a bond breaking, as one of the Aka Oni will demonstrate: shattering the sword drawn from his own soul, before falling to his knees and wheezing in pain.

Essentially, it's a battle for who can destroy their own Soul Artifact first, in order to spare their partner the pain of their Artifact breaking. But how is this supposed to work? Not all Soul Artifacts are weapons, after all!

As it turns out, the trial is a trick. Following the rules as given will still allow both competitors to pass, regardless of who wins. Likewise, should both participants come together and choose to either simultaneously break their Artifacts, or surrender the trial all together, it will still count as a pass. Because the true Trial of Love is simply the act of participating in the trial together to test their bond.

Aftermath Beppu, Oita
Once the trials are complete, those who passed at least two trials will be invited to a special ceremony, designed to mimic that of those long past. Naturally, since no one is getting married here (unless they want to??), the ceremony is mostly just an excuse for a massive feast. Taking place in a large open park just outside the city, hundreds of Oni have arrived from all over Kyushu to witness this rare event, where the current leader of the Aka Oni clan offers a few brief words.

"Time's finally changing, and after so much time unchanging, we Oni should learn to better embrace these changes. Otherwise, we're no better off than we were in the time loop. The bravery put on by these alien halfings is nothing to sneeze at. And I'd say they're as worthy of the Aka Oni name as any of you ol' farts sittin' out there drinking your asses off!"

Refugees who passed the trials will be considered unofficial members of the Ao and Aka Oni clans, and will find that from then on, the Oni of Kyushu with treat them with familiarity, as if somehow able to sense the bond they now share with their homeland. In addition to no shortage of food and booze, there's music and dancing that will last until well past sunrise.

Hot and Steamy

With the trials behind them and a new form of magic under their belts, the Refugees will be allowed to simply enjoy the rest of their vacation in Kyushu however they may please.

But there's just one question remaining: why did the Oni suddenly decide to help with the Kizuna research, despite Kizuna being such a cherished aspect of their culture?

As it turns out, the Refugees are having a larger impact on this world than they may realize.

Hellish Bathwater Beppu, Oita
As it turns out, the Trials of Beppu draw their names from a certain natural phenomenon known instead as the Hells of Beppu. It refers to an area in Eastern Kyushu where a number of naturally occurring hot springs carry unusual effects. However, unlike the enchanted pools of Hakone's Owakudani, not all of these springs are safe to enter.

Of them, one of the most popular is the Umi Jigoku, the sea of hell. A vast boiling spring with vibrantly blue water, this spring is said to be the deepest pool of water in Kyushu, with massive lily pads floating atop the surface that are believed to stretch for miles below. Brave and foolish Aka Oni can sometimes be found jumping between the lily pads to cross the steaming pool, or even grabbing passerbys to strand them on a lily pad in the middle. Standing in any one spot for too long will cause the lily pads to sink into the water, burning flesh within seconds, so those who visit may need to be prepared for an emergency rescue or two.

And those hoping for a spring they can actually soak in will find it at Chinoike Jigoku, the blood pond of hell. Appropriately named, the water in this spring is bright red in color and has a strange almost gooey consistency. Relaxing in this spring is said to have powerful healing effects, and according to legend, it can even revive the dead. Perhaps it's the latter reputation that keeps it from being more popular, but Refugees who soak in the strange water will find any aches, pains, or chronic conditions healed -- including those previously thought to be incurable.

The only downside is that the strange water has a tendency to get the blood boiling in a very specific way, leaving those who soak in it for too long in a state of prolonged arousal, earning the pond a second name: Chinchin Jigoku.

Stone Dragon God™ Sakurajima, Kyushu
Those looking for a little more excitement on their vacation look no further than Sakurajima, a region perpetually blanketed in smoke and ash from the nearby volcano of the same name. Thankfully, there hasn't been an eruption for a few weeks, so the region is currently safe to explore.

And they really ought to go take a look. In fact, the Oni will insist that it's a place all refugees ought to visit.

In addition to curious ruins of ancient cities forever half-buried in old mud flows, Sakurajima is currently home to a new species of ayakashi the Oni have taken to calling Ninseki, the stone people. These ayakashi only started appearing recently, and really, calling them ayakashi feels inaccurate. Capable of limited speech and organizing themselves in quaint villages, the only reason they're called ayakashi is because Ninseki used to be Kaoseki.

It's unknown how they came to evolve at such a fast rate, but the MRU has a few leads. And perhaps the most damning comes from the Ninseki themselves, who have taken to worshipping a figure they refer to as the stone dragon god, statues of whom can be found throughout Sakurajima, seemingly crafted using some kind of Tsuchi-based power unique to the Ninseki. A gift from the stone dragon god, perhaps?

Thankfully, the Ninseki themselves are extremely friendly, and will happily invite any refugees to join them in a meal or dance, or even challenge them to a race up the mountain! Perhaps it's because they were once forever stationary, but the Ninseki enjoy any activity that keeps them moving!

And for those who happen to recognize this stone dragon god of theirs, perhaps they'll understand why the Oni thought it vital that the Refugees learn to control the Kizuna they produce, lest they permanently alter this world well after they've left it.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's June event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While characters do not need to participate in the trials to visit Kyushu, they will not be provided lodgings, and may find it especially difficult to procure any on their own unless they visibly look like an Oni.

• Only characters who participate in this event will be able to unlock Soul Artifacts. Future characters will eventually be able to unlock it via Bonus AC.

• You have 100% creative control over how your character's Soul Artifact manifests. Likewise, you are welcome to have it change shape depending on who draws it from their soul. For example: Both Tom and Fred are bonded with Gloria. Tom draws a sword from Gloria's soul because he has a strong desire to protect her, but Fred draws a teacup because he greatly enjoys their weekly meet-ups at the local coffee shop. And Gloria draws a gun from her own soul because of her double life as an assassin.

• Teleporting out of the Trial of Promise will only work if both participants agree to forfeit the challenge. Likewise, agreeing to forfeit will cause the door to open after about an hour.

• All dangers in the Trial of Devotion are optional, as some may simply never come across any monsters during their hike, and all pairs are welcome to travel in groups. No climbing is necessary to reach the top, but it is a very long walk.

• There are no hints to imply the true means of passing the Trial of Love beyond the name, as the Oni will only tell them the rules and will answer no questions.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

凶 A.) Himbofication & Passive Aggressives
[ Cloud was, if nothing else, adaptable. So of course he was going to Kyushu if it meant making a good chunk of money. Still securing odd jobs despite his efforts, he was working hard and fast to secure a place in Kyoto. Along with, however, came the need to build up other necessities. Like a wardrobe bigger than just one SOLDIER uniform, a summer yukata and a rental kimono from the dorm he first stayed in. Suffice to say, however...when Cloud had settled down in Kumamoto and finally caved in securing a new outfit to better fit in?

It took far too much humming & hawing before the blond ultimately succumbed. ]

Hell with it...

[ The dark sleeveless coat that hangs from his shoulders was cool and all, but in order to secure the Buster Sword (and to cover up those pesky MALE PRESENTING NIPPLES), he's been fitted with a harness that completes the Oni visage. At least the outfit comes complete with pants. ...pants that hang low enough to tease that sweet v-line and reveal straps of the harness that hang from his hips. Without the Ao or Aka Oni breathing too hard down his back for his "nice boots" or offhandedly remarking "gee that sword is so big you ain't compensating, nooo"

Cloud can be found all over. Whether he's spending quality time alone on the beach to get away from the hustle & bustle, window shopping as he eyes up things he could bring back, or just trying to look as casual despite his embarrassed red face wandering the streets? This is the most skin he's shown off period. ...and the belts covering his nipples feels weird. He almost wishes he could just let them breath if he's gotta let it all out. ]

凶 B.) Soul Artifact
[ More intriguing than the whole "Oni Marriage" root of Kizuna bonds, was the revelation that he could manifest a part of his soul into something usable. The only thing is, Cloud still couldn't visualize what his artifact would look like. And after focusing on himself and concentrating alone for a while, hand grasping upon his exposed chest only to pull thin air repeatedly, the blond hangs his head in defeat.

They say that you can manifest it easier through someone else, by an established bond. The wallflower in him wishes that he could just luck out and somebody ask him to save the embarrassment. Not to mention approaching anyone in his current outfit was still taking some getting used to. With a furrowed brow and steeled resolve however, he can be seen keeping an eye out for those amongst the crowd who may not have a partner. Deep breath...aaand socialize. ]

Hey, [ A beat. ] You working on your Soul Artifact too?

[ Alternatively, you can catch Cloud before he has a chance to ask someone. ]

凶 C.) Trial of Promise
[ Partner up. Head for Takachiho Gorge. Undergo a trial within the cave behind a waterfall. For Cloud, it's a two-birds-one-stone ordeal. He was here in Kyushu reaping the benefits of getting money for participating. ]

Might as well get something outta this, [ he mentions to his partner for this trial as they head behind the massive waterfall. Funds were important, but on the other hand? He may as well put his best foot forward now that he's been pushed far enough to try. Furthering the bond with his partner carried no downsides in his head. If he can strengthen his Kizuna and learn to draw from himself his own Soul Artifact once more, all the more power to him.

Cloud resists the urge to draw his Buster Sword as they approach the cave's entrance, a force of habit when exploring dark new places. But this is a sacred ritual spot; he'll put his trust in the Onis. For now.

Once inside the cave and it seals shut on them? Should your bond with Cloud be decent enough upon entry, the light will reveal what they must do. ]

凶 D.) Trial of Devotion
[ Regardless of the Soul Artifact that Cloud is possessing, there's the added bonus that he's also still packing the Buster Sword on his back throughout this trial. He'll play along and guard his partner's artifact just as he entrusts them to guard his. This kind of journey was no problem for a former SOLDIER, who was used to hoofing it from sunrise to sunset and on. But if his partner couldn't hack it and keep up...well. He couldn't be a complete asshole and just leave them behind. It's not a race. Especially as they traverse through the forest and the distant sound of various monsters and branches snapping fills the empty space between them. Sooner or later, something was going to come after them. ]

Just stick close to me.

[ He'll tell you this regardless whether you can handle yourself or not. Cloud was no stranger to bodyguard work and looking out for people. So long as they didn't complain like Barret did about 59 floors. ...never doing that again regardless. ]

凶 E.) Wildcard
( Hit me with anything! If you have any other scenarios or prompts in mind that you want with Cloud, write a custom starter or hit me up on my plotting post! As for the Trial of Promise prompt, I'm open to both smut & non-smut options for what the cave asks them to do. Silly and mundane things, fight, secrets shared, sexual partners, hidden fantasies, kiss, feel each other up, list goes on. Feel free to ask if you're not sure or curious about something! )

Edited 2022-06-28 22:10 (UTC)

Hm? I don't need to, I already have one.

[It had taken a couple tries, given he was used to using his Evoker to do it, but Minato figured out how to pull out Messiah without anyone else doing it for him. Honestly, it felt really good to be able to do that. While he understood the need for the Evoker, it was much better to release the Persona this way (and it didn't startle others).

But, that didn't mean he wasn't willing to help.]

I can pull it out on my own. But I can help with yours.

Quick learner, huh?

[ Ahh, so maybe this was the guy that was causing murmurs amongst the Oni before? He hadn't been around to witness Minato's own awakening of his Soul Artifact, but the guy seems very cool and confident. It's not very often Cloud felt out of his depth, so having to lean on others for lessons or practice was something that was still coming to him. But he is, if nothing else? Adaptive! ]

You don't mind?

[ He has his thanks. He'll wait for Minato to get into position in front of him, looking down to his own hand as he imagines himself grasping something. What it is, he can't quite envision just yet...but he's supposed to manifest it from someone else, right? It's easier? ]

... ! [ Ah, wait, if he heard right, ] I'll call your name, right?

You could say that.

[He shook his head at the question, but placed a hand on his chin thought for a moment. While he could summon his own, he still had yet to try with others. It felt a bit odd, to pull one's Soul Artifact from someone out. That would be like if he used his Evoker to draw out Orpheus from Junpei or something, right? So would... Thanatos or the others change if they're drawn out from Cloud, instead?

It was worth the curiosity, and to see how the Persona would even act like. Would it be the usual or something else? After all, it was Kizuna they were using and he hadn't exactly tested it himself when he first pulled Thanatos out. He had just been happy to do it without the Evoker for once.]

Mm. Sounds about right. Do you want to go first, then?

[Minato didn't mind who went first, as he already had the image of who he wanted to come out as the Artifact. So, he could wait.]

Copy.

[ Perhaps the image would become clearer the more times he attempted this. Establishing bonds in this world wasn't as difficult as he would have thought it'd been, either. Granted, Cloud establishing contact with others physically...actually came more naturally to him than he would probably ever fess. Whether it was instinctively holding someone's hand to protect them from imminent danger, or pulling them close because he was the best support in the face of peril...or, well, nowadays where handholding didn't quite embarrass him as much as it used to.

Grasping something out of this guy's chest shouldn't take too long! He thinks. ...he hopes. ]

I'm Cloud.

[ He'll wait for his name before he continues, drawing a deep breath before loosening the tension from his shoulders. ]

♥️

afoolshope - 2022-07-01 15:14 (UTC) - Expand

Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy VII Remake

Soul Artifact

the boys are back

hehe

♥

trials of devotion

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A (Nyuu)

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Wildcard

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Trial of Promise

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Trial of Promise /puts on my creeper hat and tweaks this

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