June | Event: Trial of the Soul

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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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[mistsplitter]

[ She waits until he's done, taking his hand once he's out so they can go to her room. It's not that far! But since they went here separately, Cloud hasn't seen what room she got just yet. It's a lot smaller than Cloud's, Ayaka opting for a modest room even though everything is free. Despite that, she brought quite a lot of luggage with her, clothes and other things in case she might need them on this trip. (Cloud will have quite a bit to carry, due to this...)

After leaving her things in Cloud's room? They go back out again to take a proper stroll to the springs this time. On their way, though, they pass by a relaxation room of sorts. Massage chairs, a big couch next to a shelf of booms, all kinds of entertaining things! One thing stands out, though, because Ayaka's never seen one before.

A ping-pong table. ]

What is this?

[sultanofsquat]

[ As they walk and talk, Cloud explains how he got his room, not choosing anything so much as shrugging at the receptionist to just give him "somewhere to sleep". Evidently, he lucked out! Even if the Oni made an offhand remark about the size of his sword, and how it just wouldn't fit in tight spaces. Uh huh. Sure. Make him think of the time he got it stuck in the entrance of a room once. Luckily for one Ayaka? They don't need Oni to help carry her things back to his room! He doesn't find her luggage heavy, only that there was quite a bit he held in his hands as they trek back to his room. ]

— — —

[ And sure enough, on their way past a rather pleasant looking lounge, they follow signs leading them to the hot springs. There's separate, smaller springs for the men and women divided by a tall wall. But further down, doing away with that "temptation" of knowing what was on the other side? The mixed bath they were heading for! The thought of sharing a hot spring with both men and women would have made him a bit more reluctant...if it weren't for the fact he'd be having his eyes on one person alone. Kizuna did wonders in loosening the blond up, making him a little more honest with himself and his new...ahah, 'wife'.

But their steps slow together when he sees Ayaka's attention grabbed by the lone ping-pong table not being used right now. There's paddles and a little white ball settled against one of them so as to not roll away. ]

It's Table Tennis.

[ ... do they even have Tennis in Inazuma? Let alone Teyvat? Either way, without even needing to ask her, the two were already making their way over to the table. After walking halfway around it with her to check it out, ] Never tried it, myself, [ he lets go of her hand then so he can reach for one of the little paddles. ]

You just gotta smack the ball back and forth till you get it past your opponent.

[ The ball starts to roll away! But not too far as Cloud taps the ball with his paddle and rolls it back into his hand. Cloud's only ever really seen pictures about it in magazines or spotted it on tiny little TV screens if a channel just so happened to be on that. It's not really big in Midgar, but it's still a thing. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Walking closer to the table, she picks up a paddle to inspect it the same way she would a sword. From its width, its length, what the flat feels like— she's figuring it all out, her hold of the paddle adjusting every so often. ]

This is a game?

[ There are opponents and such, after all. Hm... moving to one end of the table, she looks at Cloud on the other side. The only games she plays nowadays are shogi and go, and temari with the children when she hangs out with Yoimiya. The former two require strategy, rather than physical activity.

But... she thinks it would be fun to try this out. First, she looks around the room to see if anyone has their eyes on them. She would prefer not to gather any attention, and she would prefer not to be seen by anyone as she plays a game... the Shirasagi Himegimi doesn't have time for things like that, after all. Once she's content with her surroundings, she gives Cloud a nod. ]

Would you like to try it?

[ They did plan on going to the hot springs, after all. But this has gathered her curiosity! Ayaka will not invite Cloud to play, merely suggesting it, as someone with her title shouldn't be engaging in these sorts of activities in the first place. But she obviously can't refuse if someone invites her, yes? ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ The paddle is considerately light in his hold, but not everything needed to be some heavily weighted weapon to be of merit. This isn't like trying to adjust to a regular-sized bokken to fight with or anything. It's a game! And the balance is nice for what it's supposed to do. ]

Yup. Never played it myself, though.

[ Curiously, he watches as she moves to the other side, canting his head as she seems to familiarize herself with the smooth surface of the table. There's a short net serving as a barrier between their sides, a goal to get the ball over. Judging from what little he's seen, you couldn't let the ball bounce more than once on your side otherwise it was a point to the other player. Besides that? He has no idea of serving etiquette or hitting the ball from one corner to the other on first swing. Resting his hands on the table with paddle in hand, he quietly observes as she seems to take a look around...as if she were looking for permission. But from who?

As if the moment he loosed his hand from her and stood opposite of her, he wasn't with the excited girl named Ayaka anymore, but the Shirasagi Himegimi. And right now? That was fine with him if they were going head to head. The only difference? Whereas the white heron princess was suggesting it...

Cloud comes right out and says it with a cool smile, speaking out for the girl inside he'd made a wish for. ]

Let's play.

[ He bounces the ball as it makes a satisfying little click every time it taps the table, rotating the paddle like he knew what he was doing. ]

I'll serve. [ He feels like he's gonna hit it too hard. So as he lobs the ball up? He practically holds the paddle underneath it as it makes contact, only flicking his wrist super light so as to not just overdo it and— ] Ah-

[ It bounces in front of the net...and doesn't make it over. Now Cloud has to awkwardly lean over the table to grab the ball with his paddle. Sorry not sorry for the top of his robe hanging loose if he flashes her some pec tiddy. ]

Wait hold on.

[ Not as smooth a start as he was hoping. He tries again! This time putting a little more effort into the swing as it goes clearly over the net and bounces over on Ayaka's side. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ If this is Cloud's first time playing, then it's only natural to not really know what to do, how hard to hit the ball and whatnot. Ayaka watches with interest, figuring out from watching what is too strong what what is too soft. She'll only truly find out when she tries to hit the ball herself, though.

Right! Cloud hits the ball again! This time it goes over the net, which means she has to hit the ball back. It bounces once on her side before she taps on the ball with her paddle, before sending it over the night with a bounce. It was just a light touch, lobbed upwards. The angle could have been better.

But, hey! She thinks that was right? ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Right indeed! So right, in fact, that Cloud gets a little too invested in trying to return the volley. It's not a far bounce, but it's enough that he has to lean in over the table to get it again otherwise he risks losing a point. ]

Hm-

[ Tap! ...only this time, however, Cloud smacks it a little too hard as he sends it over too straight and with too much force. He misses Ayaka's side of the table completely. This isn't even about his own strength, having a rather good handle on things with more mundane games like playing Darts. They're gonna need to go at it for a little before he gets the hang of things. But when he does?

She better watch out! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ The ball misses Ayaka completely, ending up on a far corner of the room. She didn't even dare try chasing after it while it was in the air. ]

I'll go get it. That was my point, wasn't it?

[ Ayaka doesn't know the rules that if the ball bounces in your court and you fail to hit it, it's his point. That's not what happened, though, so out of the question. But she thinks since it went off the table, he made a mistake! It doesn't make sense to keep playing the game if all you had to do was hit hard.

Walking to pick up the ball on the floor, she bends down, knees on the floor to actually get it from under a shelf. Enjoy the view, Cloud, but gotta make sure no one else is checking that butt out, too. Especially with what she's wearing! ]

Ah, there we go...

[ She's gotten it after some stretching! Once she's back up, she dusts off her knees and heads back to the table, ready to play again. ]

I'll... "serve", this time.

[sultanofsquat]

Yup. [ A beat. ] Pretty sure if you miss the table, you messed up.

[ If they play loosely with the rules, it hardly matters to Cloud. This was an impromptu little detour in their plans, but if he were being honest... They could turn right back around and go to their new shared room. They could forget the hot spring or do it tomorrow. For Cloud, Ayaka was his plans. And if seeing her learn a new game and play with him was something that she wanted to do? Who was he to deny her? It may have been a manifestation of her soul, but she's given him so much... Just as he's shown her a kindness that even he didn't know he was capable of, the mission to spoil her now that they were reunited was in full swing.

Along with another little task at this ping pong table. And that's to shift his opponent from the Shirasagi Himegimi, to Kamisato Ayaka. Cloud patiently waits, watching her as she goes to retrieve the ball from under a shelf. ]

...

[ And yes. That also includes being unable to resist the view. She wouldn't know, but at least he wasn't grinning like some idiot while checking her out. ... she can take her time if she wants. He doesn't mind. ]

? [ What he does mind though? Are the pair of Ao Oni, dressed in robes like them on their way to the spring. They're passing on by, but very blatantly slow down as they pass the bent over white heron. A frown mars his lips, and his brow furrows as he glares daggers at the two. But he can't just go making a scene, otherwise he'll embarrass his girlfriend. And though she tries to be reserved about it all, Cloud can tell that she's having fun. Like hell was he gonna ruin that. So.

SMACK! goes his paddle on the table, grabbing their attention just subtly enough so that they could get the hint.

Move along. That's his butt. They leave posthaste without incident. And should Ayaka ask what that loud bang was? He can just say that he accidentally dropped his paddle while playing with it. ]

Bring it.

[ He's a fast learner! Knowing these two, they'll find a rhythm in no time. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She's completely clueless that you were checking her ass out, Cloud... the loud noise does startle her, but she doesn't ask about it since it looks like Cloud's okay. Maybe something did fall! That's what she's thinking. ]

Alright.

[ Here she goes! She tosses the ball in the air and smacks it with her paddle. Just a soft serve— the ball easily goes past the net, bounces. It's so easy to send it back. Ayaka's still trying to get the hang of this, so she isn't adding too much force each time she hits the ball.

She looks so proud to have served, too! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ A soft serve- but rather than try and outright smack the ball down or go for a power shot, he instead returns it right back with a light tap of his own. Every time, Cloud aims directly for her when he hits the ping pong ball. They've got a rally going! While he keeps a mental note on their score whenever one of them misses, they go right back to volleying, the rhythmic clack of the ball hitting the table and getting tapped by paddles, back and forth...back and forth...back and forth... ]

More fun than I thought it'd be.

[ You're gonna need to try actually getting it past Ayaka at some point, Cloud. ]

[mistsplitter]

I agree. I'm having fun, as well.

[ In fact, she enjoys it most when they have a particularly long rally. Wasn't the goal of this game to score a point against your opponent? Perhaps when other people are playing it! Ayaka's more than content with this simple back and forth. ]

Shall we try hitting harder?

[ To test one's reflexes and all! Not even to actually begin competing with one another. The heron flicks her wrist a little too quickly compared to how she'd been hitting the ball with the paddle a while ago, and it zooms right past the net and onto Cloud's side quicker than it normally would! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ If he knew what she was thinking, he'd mention something about how she was reading his mind. Even if it was just a moment of 'improv', that moment holds new meaning to him. Even when he really jumped outside his own comfort zone to get in character, flustering Ayaka to the point of the two dropping the act, it's hard to think of it the same way as before. ]

I'm game-

[ He barely gets those two words out before Ayaka's already flicking her wrist to slap the ball on his side of the court! He clearly got complacent in their relaxed volley, because he almost misses as he takes a step back so he can better catch it. ]

Got it.

[ His shot goes high, but it clears the net and gives Ayaka plenty of room to counter! Okay. Now he's dialed in to go a little faster. Again, content in the rally over scoring a point. Let's see how far they can take this! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She's the one who said to start hitting harder, so she has to tell herself that she can hit this ball coming at her. Waiting for it to bounce, she positions herself on one side of the table so that she can send it back in one swift motion. With a quick flick of the wrist, a loud CLACK! can be heard in the room.

She said harder, but not that hard?! Ayaka?!

The ball flies straight towards Cloud, not even bouncing on his court anymore! This girl really can't watch her own strength sometimes... ]

[sultanofsquat]

!?

[ F-Fast! Cloud has no choice but to put his guard up, instinctively holding the back of his paddle as if he were about to defend against something that wasn't an empty featherweight ball. He could just as easily have stepped out of the way with his reflexes and scored a point. Or just taken the hit! Either way, he would have won this lightning round. But his body thinks quicker than his mind does in this one crucial moment.

He doesn't just block her shot. ]

Tah—!

[ He sends it straight back! Not as hard as her graceful yet powerful strike, but with the right trajectory that doesn't leave it lobbing in the air or scraping the net. No. It's going right for her too. If she wants to play hard? He'll play hard right back! They're fighters. This is just something that they do.

It's Ping Pong you two. Help. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ It's just a back and forth rally, albeit a bit more exciting this time. From what looked like a timid expression on the Shirasagi Himegimi's face earlier? It's changed to a more calm one, and there's even a small smile on her face. Interested? She definitely is. ]

Ha!

[ The longer the rally goes, the more strength they put into their own shots. Ayaka's smile doesn't leave, growing more and more determined by the second. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ It sounds like they've found a new talent that Miss Kamisato can add to her growing resume. When this is over, he'll just have to remember how much fun she was having. Whereas there's a small smile on Ayaka's face? Cloud is more serious, his own way of getting into it as the rally keeps building in intensity. To the point where Cloud has to take a step back from the table so he can counter and take his shots, his robe not coming undone but loosening up from the action.

CLACK! Bounce. CLACK! Bounce. ]

Pretty good— [ CLACK! ] —for a first timer—! [ CLACK! ]

[ Okay there's the competitive smirk. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Is he... trashtalking her?? Of course, the term is foreign to the young Kamisato, but she doesn't quite like the sound of that. Cloud will notice just how perplexed Ayaka looks upon hearing that being said to her, but she doesn't say anything about it. Instead, with one swift motion, the ball comes straight at him at the speed of light. ]

I thought this was also your first time?

[ Why is he talking like he knows it all and is an expert!!!! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ He was certainly getting caught up in the moment. One strived for perfection in everything she set her eyes on, and the other pursued a job well done by any means. He's determined to keep this rally going, or find an opening to finally earn a point on her! ...that is until he notices the perplexed look on Ayaka's face. For a crucial moment, it's like time comes to a crawl as he studies her expression. Slow motion, his brows lift and he barely has a second to register if he said something wrong.

Before she swiftly delivers to him a lightspeed ping pong ball. Anyone lesser would have missed or been smacked before they could even blink.

Cloud may have successfully returned the volley back to her despite the impact, but the force behind his shot is dulled severely, a softer lob as he's forced on the defensive. Ayaka may be the superior striker yet. ]

It is. I was just... [ Clack. Bounce. Words are hard when keeping a tiny ball in play. But damn it he's gonna try using them. ] You're great at this.

[ Clack. Bounce. And? ]

And accurate with your shots.

[ Clack. Bounce. ... Clack. Bounce. And? ]

And your reflexes are crazy.

[mistsplitter]

Perhaps you should save the compliments for when we spar.

[ Ayaka's only able to handle the game because of her knowledge and experience in swordsmanship, after all! Without that? She'd be so terrible at this, and it won't be as fun.

Cloud's not doing terribly, either. She isn't the type to say something like that Cloud said, but in response to his words? ]

You're doing rather well yourself, Cloud. But I believe you can do better.

[ She's seen him fight! Now stop being a pussy and hit that ball hard the same way you slam your hips against hers WAIT A MINUTE ]

[sultanofsquat]

Might have double the amount by then.

[ As for Cloud? A combination of his swordsmanship and otherwise inhuman reflexes bolstered his ability to play at this level. These two would certainly tear up a competition if the others weren't supertalented swordsmen and swordswomen. ]

Hah. [ It's a short huff of a laugh, and this time in place of that smirk from earlier? Is a smile. A confident smile as he feels himself getting excited playing across Ayaka this way. ] You sure you want that?

[ A rhetorical question. Because he suddenly steps forward into his next strike, a flick of the wrist and a ringing crack as the ping pong ball bounces low and towards Ayaka with newfound speed. ]

'Cause I can go harder and faster.

[mistsplitter]

[ It's the combination of bigger movements and the swift motions Ayaka's been doing that loosen the robe she's had on. She'd had it on nice and tight, but with each hit she sends to the other side, the belt loosens until her shrine maiden outfit's revealed once again. She can fix it later, she thinks. If Cloud wants to go harder and faster, she'll have to rise up to the challenge. ]

Be my guest.

[ One loud smack with her paddle and the ball is sent flying towards the blond, spinning in place while it travels through the short distance between them. There's no crazy pingpong technique there. Just— she hit it the same way she would strike an opponent normally. With a sword. Instead of just casually playing.

She's really getting into this! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ It'd be no different for Cloud, if he were still wearing his own oni-inspired attire beneath his robe. Cloud's sash is jostled loose, the front of his robe barely holding together as the outline of his upper body's muscles are well on display, shuffling with each left and right motion he needs to make to find the ball and take his shot back. As embarrassing as it was in hindsight to shower her with the praise her skills deserve, he felt something lift in him after telling her that. Like it was just the beginning of making up for all the time they've lost. And now that she's keen on rising to his challenge after answering her in kind, Cloud's excitement shifts in a different direction.

"Be my guest."

That's all the invitation that he needs. His sharp eyes hone in on the ball, faintly registering the spin she's put on her ball as it hits his side of the table and comes right for him. A shuffle of his feet and a windup of his paddle, there's no fiery aura or sparks to accompany his stance, but it's very similar to his counterstance ability that left a burning aftershock upon impact. Brows furrowing, he lets it rip! ]

Gotcha!

[ Following through with his arm and a well-timed flick of his wrist, he lines his shot just right to clear the net, bouncing directly in the center of Ayaka's side and straight for her! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ It was the white heron's invitation, but perhaps it would have been best not to hav extended the invite. She thought it would be more exciting to play on a more grander scale, because she's been able to keep up with him so far!

As it turns out, though, she finds herself at a loss on what to do. Unable to move away or even lift her paddle because of how fast the ball's being sent her way, the Shirasagi Himegimi would have to accept this loss. But it will be a learning experience; and perhaps she'd be able to counter the next one—

PLOP! ]

Ah! [ A yelp, coming from Ayaka, but not because she's in pain... the ball would have hit her, and even something to light should have stung a bit. Instead, the balls go straight to her chest, fitting in between the space between her breasts. Ayaka should be so lucky, something soft caught what would have hurt. (Wait...)

What is she even supposed to do now?! Even more at a loss, the paddle drops to the floor with a loud CLACK! while she stares down at her chest eyes wide. ]

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ He's wrapped up in the moment! He's either going to claim this round or she was going to send it right back with the grace that only the Shirasagi Himegimi could answer him with. The rally really wouldn't stop until that ball was a flattened mess at the rate they were smacking it back and forth! This is far from extreme sports, but the inner competitor in him couldn't help but get fired up at the prospect of this continuing.

More importantly? He got her to have fun while doing it, something that he wouldn't have noticed or wanted before coming here. All that's left to do now is...! ]

Aya... [ Oh. ] ka?

[ The paddle drops with a loud CLACK! His barely hangs on between his fingers as he stares just as wide-eyed as her. And they're both fixated on one thing.

...er. Two. 🍈🍈 ]

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

...

[ Nice catch, little Miss Kamisato. Not so modest without the armor. (*￣ii￣) ]

...so how many points is that?