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

I suppose, but I also couldn't chase them away either. They were so cute, and I could sense they only meant well.

[ And maybe she's a bit too pleased than she should be, when his arm presses against her own - her previous hesitation easily melting away, as if it hadn't even been there in the first place.

And when he calls her a "friend", one doesn't need to be an empath to pick up on how that affects her. Golden eyes widening in response, stunned for a few brief moments, before she smiles; bright and beaming, the happiness almost radiating off her. Maybe it seems silly, to be so happy at being called a friend, but it's one of those things she never expected to hear from someone else. ]

You being my friend is already more than enough, Kaito. Or 'bonded', if we want to use the correct terms here. [ Her fingers squeeze around his hand once more, as she lets herself lean against him fully - cheek resting against his shoulder. At the very least, the height difference doesn't make that too much of an awkward angle. ]

[ It suddenly feels like someone's torn a hole in the cave roof so that the sun can beam down. Figuratively. The sheer joy that radiates from her aura in response to his words is, well.

It'd be overwhelming on an average day, cause for Kaito to walk to the other side of the road and keep his head down. But Lapis's smile is infectious, and her emotions doubly so. Even before he absorbs those residual feelings, he can feel his smile stretching. ]

H-Hey, geez... Who turned the sun on all of a sudden?

[ She's lucky that her affectionate feelings are (literally) rubbing off on him. The usual ache that comes with such proximity and contact is being summarily drowned out by the Good Vibes.

Hell, he's even inspired to lean towards her in turn, resting his cheek against her hair. The direct contact sends a little shock through his system... but he doesn't mind it.

This is comfy. ]

...I'm glad I can be of use, then. I don't know your life, but I can hazard a guess that real friends are few and far in between when you're. Well. Haunted.

So count me among that number.

[ His words prompt a blink, and she just quickly realises how overjoyed she is - her free hand covering the bottom of her face with a bashful chuckle, heating flooding her cheeks moments later. She's never usually so... well, unrestrained, so this is all very new to her. It's nice, but the thought that he could be getting the full brunt and more does prompt a twinge of worry...

Except he seems... fine? The cheek against her hair gets another warm, giddy feeling to swell in her chest - that happiness settling into something more mellow now. But the feeling is enough so that she lets herself lean up, just a little to bump her head against his cheek, almost like a nuzzle. ]

Mmhm... Being surrounded by ghosts all the time doesn't allow for much of a social life. Nor does my current job.

But I'm glad you're my friend, Kaito... Though that means if you ever need anything from me, you'll have to let me know right away.

[ Lids fall shut as Kaito hums a note of approval when she bumps up against him.

Just don't get too used to this, he reminds himself. Having friends is good. But no one can get too close.

No one should.

Still, for now he's content to bask in her warmth and happiness. ]

Thank you for reminding me that I'll need to look for work when this trip ends. I was a chef and investigator back home. I don't know if I should go for the same occupation or do something different.

[ Kaito takes in her words before chuckling. Just as Lapis nuzzled him, nuzzles into her hair quite fondly. Just don't careless with the lips... ]

I'll remember that. We can keep in touch with our pocket typewriters. Magi tech... things...

[ It's hard to suppress the warmth that swells in her chest when he nuzzled back, a content hum escaping her in response. However brief this may be, she wants to make the most of it for as long as it lasts. ]

A chef, hmm... Maybe I should ask you for lessons. [ Because now that she no longer has to travel constantly she should try learning how to cook... and not survive on just takeout. ]

I won't be able to continue my job here, I'm sort of similar to an investigator though I handled particularly difficult spirits and such. [ And she does hope she can have some sort of respite from that. ] I have been taking dancing lessons though.

[ She lets herself melt against him a little more, humming gently with a nod. ]

I'll stick with magi tech... Though speaking of staying in touch, we do still have to get out of here...

[ She's so warm. He doesn't want to let go, even though he knows this can't last. Laziness is settling in... ]

I'd be happy to give them. Alas, you'll have to pay the fine of... friendship. And feeding me whatever you make, no matter how good or bad it ends up. That's a part of growing as a chef. [ Kaito winks, and at one point he releases their hold for a fleeting moment—so that he can loop his arm around hers and steal her hand again.

Just in time for her to point out the challenge again. Golds flutter open, and he stares at the sign while maintaining his exceedingly lazy posture that's a mixture between standing and melting into the woman. ]

Submission... I don't know. Does it count if I submit to the good vibes here? Think the cave will take that? [ He scoffs, but there's a smile to it and he squeezes her hand.

Okay. Part of him does wonder if that'll work, though. Abracadabra? Maybe? ]

I just ask that you're very honest with your feedback, don't hold anything back. [ Her pride might take a beating, but it's fine! She won't improve otherwise!!

And for that brief moment she does wonder if he's pulling back, before blinking as he loops his arm around and takes her hand again - her own grip firm once his hand is in hers. It seems as though his laziness is contagious as well; her words a soft, lower drawl now when she speaks up again. ]

I think the word for that is called 'relaxing'. [ Though she is curious if that would actually work...

... Though the lack of anything happening pinpoints that no, it doesn't count. There's a soft sigh from her, almost a huff as she turns her eyes back to The Message on the wall. ]

The cave has decided that "submitting to good vibes" isn't good enough.

You're in luck. I'm a patient but honest teacher. We'll make you a master of scrambled eggs in no time.

[ He manages a chuckle. 'Relaxing'. What's that? When she falls silent, he realizes that she's taking his half-joke earnestly, and so Kaito also looks around to see if there's any noticeable change as they just... vibe. ]

Alas, no dice. [ The empath huffs a quiet sigh of his own... before a mischievous glint shines in his eyes. Snickering to himself, he begins to tug Lapis towards him...

And in one sweeping motion, he lowers himself onto his back while pulling the woman directly on top of him. Kaito beams a smirk up to her once he's flush to the cavern floor. ]

How about this? Does it count if you have me pinned? [ Ah. There's that teasing tone again... One arm remains locked with hers, and his free hand lifts to brush stray locks away from her face. A fond warmth fills golden pools. ]

[ It would have been nice if literally vibing was the key out, but sadly they need to think of something else. Which Kaito seems to have done already, Lapis finding herself blinking in surprise as she ends up on top of him - her immediate reaction was to pull back, before she notices how he smirks up at her.

Instead a now familiar warmth fills her cheeks as she finds herself straddling him, brows raising at his words before she huffs gently. That teasing tone, along with that look in his eyes, is enough to make the blush on her cheeks burn even further; it's only stubborn pride that stops her from becoming completely flustered. ]

Is it really submitting if you're willingly pinned? [ But flustered or not, that still doesn't keep the teasing lilt out of her voice - and as she leans into the touch to her hair, she lets herself shift closer. Bracing a hand by his shoulder to keep herself upright, as something akin to mischief shines in her eyes. ]

Maybe if you were tied up too, though...

[ Perhaps it's the influence of her emotions on his own, but as her visage brightens, his breath hitches in anticipation. For what, he's not so certain, but he still manages a breathy laugh and a cheeky grin when she dips in. ]

I see. Going straight for the bondage, hmm? Heh... It's probably necessary if the challenge is for me to submit against my inclinations.

...And I wouldn't mind playing letting you tie me up, [ he murmurs, much softer but just as coy. A bit of effort allows Kaito to lift his head just enough to dip dangerously close to the other's face. In a low tone... ]

So? You're not exactly dressed like you have a bunch of twine on hand. Not that I'm complaining about the view. What'll you be using, then?

[ ... Oh. Something about his words causes her breath to hitch, the flush along her cheeks threatening to burn to the tips of her ears now. But there's no desire to hide away or flinch back, if anything she's just emboldened even further; humming lowly as he leans closer still. ]

And you were trying so hard not to look before. [ The words are a soft tease, and she leans in just that much closer to him - threatening to close that small gap between them completely. ]

And like I said earlier, I have a few tricks up my sleeves.

[ And with that she leans her head back, just enough to tease once more as the sound of chains clinking starts to echo in the cavern. The ones she summons are small, thin links, curling up from her shadow and around her shoulders - though there's nothing further than that, still very much watching for his comfort. ]

I was looking respectfully, before. Now I have zero problems looking disrespectfully.

[ At this distance their foreheads are almost touching, and a wave of her emotions threatens to drown out his own. It's not unusual for him to have to focus on his own feelings, but the comfort between them makes it much easier than usual.

...That, and the fact that he really wants to close that minuscule gap between them.

When he hears the clatter of chains, the dots immediately connect. Lapis will be pleased to see that his features brighten even further. Feeding off her mischievous energy, Kaito lifts his arms and loops them around her neck before gently pulling her back down to that dangerous proximity.

Wrists settle flush together while gloved fingers toy with her hair. It's his turn to drawl now, voice taking on a gravelly tone as his breath tickles her lips. ]

Duly noted, Investigator. Will you be locking me up and throwing away the key...~?

Well, you have full clearance to always look disrespectfully.

[ It's strange... This is all almost overwhelming in a way, anticipation and a giddy sort of nerves buzzing through her, but she doesn't want to let this end. Especially when she sees how his expression brightens as the chains coil into existence, the last of her hesitation promptly forgotten as he pulls her back in.

The feeling of his breath against her lips sends a faint shiver up her spine, her heart skipping a beat or two, and she gives his words a faux-innocent, low "hmmm" as the chains twist together over his wrists. ]

Well, that had been the plan. Or maybe you can convince me otherwise? [ It's easy, to fall into this sort of playfulness, and she shifts to finally close the gap between them as the last of the chain binds his wrists together - firm and secure - ]

[ - Only to then stop with a wince when light suddenly shines in, the cave opening back up with the prompt now fulfilled. It takes a moment for her eyes to adjust, before realizing what exactly happened and now there's just a wash of... frustration. Frustration is a very good word for what she's feeling right now. ]

... Hm. I guess that worked.

[ She sure doesn't sound too enthused about it as she forces herself to lean back, the chains fading back into shadows once more. Ugh. ]

[ Gold meets gold in a fond gaze that's quickly starting to fill with amorous intent. Digits tug at long locks as the chain tightens around his wrists, and he parts his lips to close that final distance.

Anticipation, excitement, and desire crescendo to— ]

[ —A sudden, crashing trainwreck of a halt.

Kaito winces in tandem with Lapis. Sunlight... Sunlight. They completed the trial.

... ]

Oh, goddamn it!

[ The empath is far more vocal with his dissatisfaction, and the sunbeams trickling in make something apparent that was hidden in the darkness before—his ears are almost glowing red while a dusting of pink rests scattered over the rest of his face.

And he looks peeved. Can't forget that.

Lips twist in a scowl as he drops his head to the ground and huffs a sigh. The only silver lining here is that the sun is highlighting Lapis's curves quite generously.

...Yes, he's staring. He was given permission!

After taking a few more moments to ogle and stew in his exceedingly aroused and now dissatisfied state, Kaito reaches up with both hands and cups his trial partner's cheeks. Pain throbs in the back of his skull, but he's smiling again as he strokes. ]

Well, good job regardless.

...

Would you like to get the hell out of here and consider continuing to enjoy our newfound friendship?

[ He may be more vocal, but it's a feeling she certainly resonates with all the same; shoulders slumping as she heaves a sigh, noting how he seems to at least be as flushed as herself. With that thought in mind she rubs a hand at one of her burning cheeks, the almost-pout on her face very clear now as the sun shines in. For a place that seems to focus on being so horny, it just had to interrupt...

Of course, there had been the brief thought to just ignore it, but then someone would've come in and that would have been so much worse. So she sulks in her own immense frustration, trying to will herself to calm down before glancing over at Kaito once more. And some of her irritation fades when she notices his ogling, a softly amused huff escaping her - but she doesn't say anything, she did certainly give him permission to look!

While she is certainly still... worked up enough that how he cups her cheeks prompts her breath to hitch, it helps to soothe away her frustration all the same. Letting herself lean into the touch, as she manages a smile at him in return - her hands moving to rest above his own for the moment. ]

I would say that's a very good idea.

[ Since she has Had Enough of this cave. With that, she forces herself to stand up; absently smoothing down the skirt of her outfit - not that it actually hides much, but anything to take her mind off how she's feeling. ]

[ He's been doing plenty of staring, but if she wants something to lay her eyes on, she might just notice an extremely tightly pitched tent stretching Kaito's pants. He certainly notices, as a flick of his gaze down south immediately results in his face brightening another three shades—

—And suddenly, his entire form melts into a puddle of water, clothes and all. The clear liquid swiftly rises and reforms the empath's body—minus his oh-so-obvious erection. ]

A-hem.

[ Clearing his throat and looking absolutely ready to forget that ever happened, Kaito reaches out and grabs the woman's hand so they can get the hell out of dodge.

Also so he can hold it again, despite being more vulnerable to discomfort from the contact now that there are fewer intense emotions to take the brunt of things. ]

[ She does certainly notice, and immediately that flush comes back in full force; sure, she knows him reacting that way is expected but it's still a tad overwhelming to know she caused that. Which is why she forces her eyes away when he glances down as well, clearing her throat for a moment before glancing back and -

- And why is he a puddle? What? What?

Then he's reforms again, minus erection, and she quietly wonders just what the hell happened there. Her questions are shelved for the moment as he takes her hand and leads the way out, Lapis quickly falling into step next to him - hand squeezing around his own once more.

She's still... a bit flustered, frustrated and buzzing with an energy she has no idea how to direct, but for the moment curiosity overrides everything else. So she speaks up once they've gotten a distance away from the caves, golden eyes fixed on him; ]

So. What was that, Kaito?

[ It takes Kaito a minute to answer, and not because he doesn't want to. Rather, his own unfulfilled feelings of desire combined with her frustration are making it extremely difficult for him to avoid simply dragging her behind the first convenient patch of bushes.

After he's taken a few moments to breathe, he glances over and meets her gaze with a neutral look. ]

—Hydromancy. I'm naturally attuned to the element of water, and it's part of my arsenal to keep wayward spirits from eating me. It was, uh.

It was a little more instinctive than the probably more normal reaction of adjusting myself. Hah.

[ Lapis is, at the very least, patient about waiting for his answer - wondering about what she had seen keeps herself distracted from the everything else happening. When he answers, she cants her head a little, mulling over that for a moment.

Hydromancy... She's heard of it as a divination method, it's something her Grandmother had used on occasion, but being able to turn into water is, well, new. Though then he mentions about adjusting himself, and her mind immediately drifts back to what happened in the cave. ]

A-ah, right. [ At this rate it feels like her cheeks might just sear from the force of her blush. ]

... I don't suppose you can conjure up any water to dump on me.

[ Kaito's probably thinking about 'hydrokinesis', but we're going to forgive him for the vocabulary slip on account of jesus fucking christ he's still feeling horny and her blush is not helping. ]

Dumping water on you may be a little counterproductive, considering how much white you're wearing. [ He smirks, knowing full well that he's being a tease at her expensive (and his) now. Still, Kaito lifts his free hand and flicks his fingers her way. A spray of cool mist pours out from the gesture onto her face.

The motion is repeated several times for the rest of her upper body. ]

Feeling a little better? ...Should I walk faster to a quiet spot?

[ It's okay, it's not like Lapis can judge since her mind is basically equal parts fried and scrambling to keep itself together. And that tease really doesn't help either, shoulders hunching as she pouts - but she makes no attempt to argue, since he is very right.

But that cool mist does help, at least a little. Sighing shakily in response, as some of her focus returns back to her - which may not be the best thing, considering the state she's in. Maybe she should just throw herself into the waterfall at this rate... ]

Mmhm, a bit better. Thank you. [ Then she pauses, hesitating as she glances to the side, her free hand twisting into the fabric of her skirt as she thinks of how to answer that. Her teeth worry at her bottom lip for a moment, before deciding that yes, somewhere quiet is sorely needed. ]

... Yes, please.

...Alright. [ The pounding in his skull has shifted to his chest. Focus, Kaito. Golds dart about their surroundings as they walk. He eventually seems to spot something and squeezes her hand. ]

We're going offroad, so mind your feet.

[ That's as much warning as he gives before tugging Lapis towards some tall bushes—and the pair vanish off the road.

Several minutes of navigating through shrubs (and occasionally yanking twigs out of his hair) pass before they reach what appears to be a manmade clearing. There's a fallen tree that makes for a convenient bench, and the grass is relatively short. Kaito had caught a hint of a lingering aura from this approximate location, and he can probably guess why.

Don't touch the log with your bare hands, you dumb empath. You don't want to see the memories attached.

Once they're in the clear (horrible), Kaito slowly turns around to face Lapis. He's still got her hand locked in his. There are no words, only the slight lift and fall of his shoulders and a hint of red staining across his face and coloring his ears. ]

Welcome to quiet, [ he murmurs before flashing a small, perhaps sheepish smile. ]

[ Offroad, he says, and she can only puzzle for a moment about what he means before they head into the tall bushes. Luckily experience with navigating through woodland and shrubbery doesn't make this too difficult (more than once has she dealt with a spirit in some deep, overgrown forest) though there are some snags here and there.

Golden eyes glance around the clearing once they arrive, and for a moment she wonders exactly how he knew this was here. But that's not something she lets herself worry about. She forces herself to take a deep breath, to just give herself a moment, but...

But she focuses on Kaito once more, and for the nth time today she wonders if her own cheeks will be permanently red by this point. ]

Thank you, I... [ Her throat feels far too dry all of a sudden, and she swallows tightly; her eyes flicking down to where her hand is still held firmly in his. ]

Sorry, I know how I'm... Feeling, is probably affecting you...

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