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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Comments

[nagano]

[ It's difficult not to stare, and this time for more obvious reasons than not. Edelgard physique tells enough stories about her warrior's upbringing, yet all that training hasn't erased all signs of a womanly figure. If he's being honest? She's quite attractive. That's probably not a very unique opinion.

And he's going to be stalling for time if he keeps mulling over his thoughts. Kaito unceremoniously stoops down and drags his pants and undergarments off in one fell swoop before folding them onto the pile. His own figure is muscular and athletic, with a clear emphasis on training agility and dexterity above all else.

Yet the myriad scars tell a different story. Traces from his upper body extend all the way down to his thighs, and many more litter his legs and even feet. He's survived a great many attempts on his life, and he hardly looks that old. In contrast to her trimmed hair, he's clean-shaven, and his member has yet to grow to its full length.

With only his gloves covering any trace of skin, Kaito breathes a terse sigh and rubs at his neck again. Her question is quick draw him out of any preemptive overthinking. ]

I said I'd take the lead... But I think you should do so instead. Too many inexperienced people rush straight to it without acquainting themselves with their partners' bodies, and it leads to fumbling along the way. So...

[ He takes a step forward, then beckons her to close the distance. Thoughts of what's to come have begun to slowly stir his loins. ]

Come. Give yourself the time you deserve to acclimate.

[crimsonflower]

Then sit down.

[A command. He can spread his clothes out to make it more comfortable, if he'd like, but she doesn't intend on stooping to her knees while he stands. Meanwhile she'll close the distance between them. Stepping forward, but willing to pause her advance if he shows any hesitation or disagreement.]

[nagano]

...Heh.

[ He's hardly disagreeable. A snicker spills past upturned lips, and Kaito carefully settles down on the cavern floor. It's not uncomfortable enough for him to warrant possibly ruining his clothes, so he simply settles down and spreads his legs.

Gloved palms splay out behind him to hold his upper body weight, and he stares expectantly up at his impromptu partner. ]

[crimsonflower]

[Only when he's settled will she join him on the ground. Kneeling between his legs and doing the best she can to try and see him in the dark like this. One gloved hand settles atop his knee before slowly moving up Kaito's thigh.]

The lack of light is a bit of a hinderance. Where would you like me to start?

[She'll need some hints, clues, or guidance along the way. But if her expression in the low light is to be believed then she is, at least somewhat, genuinely curious. Her life never really made room for such relations, nor was she even allowed to have hobbies. Any illustrations she caught glimpse of were quick peeks in between the studying of tactics or supply routes of the continent.

And if she ever gets back, well... there's a chance such time for those things will be nonexistent once more. So while the situation is a bit unorthodox she doesn't resent it.]

[nagano]

I can fix that.

[ A snap of gloved fingers conjures a dim blue flame over their bodies. Odd—it's radiating cold rather than heat. Nonetheless, it adds a faintly brighter light than the writing on the wall alone. Not enough to put a spotlight on their actions, but enough that he can better make out her expression and that she can better see the details of his body.

Edelgard's expression and aura give more than enough away about her curiosity, and a smile quirks onto Kaito's features as a result. He leans forward a touch to gesture to his half-erect length. ]

One hand over here... Curl your fingers around it, firm yet gentle. There's still plenty of room for it to grow bigger and harder. You want to take that hand and slowly stroke up and down, from base to tip. It's important that you brush against the underside of the head, just like this. It's typically the most sensitive spot on a man's member. [ As he speaks, he gently takes the woman's wrist and guides her grip around his shaft. The warmth that settles over him prompts a languid sigh, and he has to stop himself from lifting his hips and thrusting into her fingers.

His other hand begins to gesture around his body, and Lecture Mode resumes. ]

While your first hand is busy... You can use the other to do any number of things... Rubbing my inner thighs, carefully grasping and fondling my sack, or even teasing other spots on my body, like roaming up my stomach to play with my nipples. Sometimes just your hands can be enough to make your partner melt, so it's good that both of them are always active.

[crimsonflower]

[All of this is so... very informative. She appreciates it a lot, but each detail is presented in such a fashion that she feels more like she's back at academia rather than about to fondle a stranger.]

Do you do this often?

[Yes she just questioned if he's a slut. But that would be the only explanation to his confidence and how casual he is about it!

Edelgard curls her fingers around his shaft, but she seems a bit wary. She was unwilling to take her gloves off, so she's not sure of the lace texture will be a detriment. Though if it's this dark perhaps she can aske him to turn out the light? Then there should be no issue about being seen. Experimentally she pumps his cock twice, but pauses after that to gauge his reaction.]

[nagano]

[ Wow, rude!!! Her question is rather direct, just like everything else. He almost laughs, but the shifting of her gloved hand around his length prompts his words to strangle in his throat as he tilts his head back and looses a groan. ]

...Mmn. Not in... maybe ten years, give or take. I read a lot of books, too. [ He's not just going to out himself as a nerd while he's getting jacked off! But sure, he will indirectly admit that he used to do this a lot.

Either way, he takes that question as a subliminal message to dial it back on the Professor tone. ]

Admittedly, the lace texture is a little scratchy. But I figure you left your gloves on for a reason. I'm very particular about mine. So if you're not comfortable taking them off, don't.

[crimsonflower]

[10 years? Just exactly how old is this man?! No, she's better off not knowing. His criticism is noted about the gloves, and she quickly gestures to the light.]

Turn it off. I'll take the gloves off then.

[Edelgard actually has to pull her hand off his cock so she doesn't accidentally choke his chicken and bruise it in her surprise.]

[nagano]

[ ...Is this what it's like to have a past-quarter-life crisis?

Kaito taps a finger to the ground and his ghost light extinguishes. Thanks for not choking his chicken, by the way—especially now that it's grown to near full-mast. ]

You can also shift to using two hands, if you want. Or even your mouth. There are a few things to be mindful of when giving a blowjob, but first and foremost is that if you bite your partner, it almost never feels good for them...

Good way to get guys to behave, as I have unfortunately had to experience...

[crimsonflower]

[At this point it feels less like being helpful and more like rattling off information.

Biting as a way to get guys to behave, is it? Well, as soon as that light goes out he'll hear her shift, but it's not to take her gloves off just yet. Edelgard takes one hand under his knee to lift up his leg. Simultaneously she leans down to sink her teeth into the tender flesh of his inner thigh. Her lips seal around Kaito's skin as she sucks hard enough to bruise him.

At least she'll be kind enough to soothe the area after by lathing her tongue over it.]

[nagano]

[ As soon as the lights are out he watches her dip in... only to lift his leg. He's right in the middle of hooking it over her shoulder when he feels a sharp prick and a distinct warmth on his inner thigh. This time he's much more vocal, allowing an appreciative groan to spill out.

While she's tending to her first hickey, she'll likely notice the empath's cock twitching and quivering, fully erect. It doesn't take much to put the pieces together and surmise that he quite enjoyed the bite. And she's got him speechless! Or, well, he's simply staring intently down at her to see what her next move will be, golds faintly glimmering their reflection of the glow from the wall's writing. ]

[crimsonflower]

[While she thought she'd have more reservations, Edelgard is actually fascinated. Feeling the way his muscles immediately tensed at the pain, tasting the salt of his skin, and hearing his voice echo against the walls of the cave — all of it captivating. She's interested in more.

Pushing aside the leg she bit into, Edelgard begins peeling off her gloves. These she'll set over her shoulder just in case she needs to put them back on quickly. After that she repositions to start pumping his cock again. Feeling him directly now. The amount of scarring on her hands has dulled any nuances perception of texture, but she can feel how stiff he is. How hot he is. The shape of him and how he throbs in her hand.

He may even be able to tell there's something up with those hands with how extensive those scars are.]

Just let me know if there's something you don't like.

[Edelgard makes sure to graze her teeth against the curve of his Adonis belt. A gentle little threat in case he wants to get smart with her.]

[nagano]

[ His head is swimming in emotions, from her fascination, his anticipation, and a not-so-subtle hint of desire that's started to permeate now that she's getting to touching him in earnest.

As her fingers curl around his cock once more, Kaito looses a shuddery sigh before letting another groan echo off the cavern walls. And although he's far more concerned with how his length is twitching and starting to leak that salty clear pre-fluid, the empath is acutely aware of a familiar texture grazing him.

After all, his hands are rife with their own scars, even if their origin is different. ]

—In five words or less?

[ That warning graze has the opposite effect—for someone like Kaito, it's simply an invitation to motivate her to mark him further. An unfortunate side effect of courting Death—the insatiable urge to continue tempting fate.

He smirks after delivering that cheeky remark, and one gloved hand finds its way to those ivory tresses. A lock is tucked behind her hair, and he continues to loose breathy sighs as she works him. ]

[crimsonflower]

[How cheeky. She'll just go ahead and bite him once more if that's how he's going to be. Harder this time, while she grips his length firm and continues at her steady pace.

Though while she's doing so that pre trickles from his tip onto her fingers. This is what ultimately gets her to stop biting him, as she's now more interested in this new development. Curiosity gets the better of her, and Edelgard drags the flat of her tongue across his tip.

He'll feel how she jerks back. Surprised at the acrid nature of the fluid. Yet despite not seeming to like it, Edelgard returns her mouth to his cockhead. Sealing her lips around the head as her tongue laps at him. Meanwhile her hand continues to stroke his length — from hilt to her lips — and the unoccupied one feels around. Learning the shape of his body as she moves it closer to where she is currently working him over.]

[nagano]

[ He's pleased as punch to have incited another bite, and she'll know it by the shaky moan and the buck of his hips that follows the harsher nip. It's been far too long since he's been able to enjoy the receiving end of a little roughness.

So, in a moment of relaxation (and between the tingling sensations that will him to quiver and groan when she grips him just right), Kaito closes his eyes and lolls his head back. A mistake, that is, though he is rewarded rather than punished. The initial dab of Edelgard's tongue isn't enough to stir him overmuch, but he cracks one eye back open to catch her reaction to tasting his pre.

It's when she doubles down and wrapping her lips around his head that he downright shivers, loosing a hiss as his hips roll in an insistent motion to push his length further in. ]

Hah... Fuck. That's good, [ he murmurs, lifting his hands to either side of her head before grasping firmly. Despite this and the fidgeting of his hips, he isn't looking to take control of her pace. Kaito just wants to hold onto her while she sucks and pumps away. Muscles continue to contract in response to her ministrations; she'll feel the movements clearly under her palm and perhaps even see the contortions in his legs. ]

[crimsonflower]

[The moment Kaito takes Edelgard's head in his hands is when her mood shift. Curiosity and exploration take a back seat to rigid wariness. No longer does she drink in or delight in his reactions, but now that he touches her she's focused on speed once more. To get him off as quickly as possible rather than take her time to learn.

Her wandering hand finds his ball sack. Massaging the weight in her hands at least soothes her some. If only because it's an entirely new experience. While the nuance of texture is more difficult for her due to her scarring, Edelgard still finds feeling the skin move and observing what's inside by rubbing completely fascinating. Everything is just so different that despite her guarded nature she cannot help but feel a little wonder.

Even so, with Kaito's hands where they are any arousal from her fascination has hit a plateau. His moans echoing in the cavern, and the taste of his skin did spark desire in her. She can feel herself, warm and damp, between her own legs. A budding ache that has now dulled because she's not so keen on being touched back.

Yet still she continues to suck on his tip as if to coax out more of that fluid from him. Pumping his hard length with more fervor than before.]

[nagano]

[ Well, that couldn't be any more obvious. Even as the welling desire growing in his loins begins to dampen his empathic response, he can tell that the woman's mood has taken a sour shift. The fact that she's shifted to quickly stroking him is also a tell. She's back to seeking expedience...

Even then, it's not that Edelgard's actions have stopped feeling good despite the tone shift. Quite the opposite, actually. Kaito squirms under her touch, and a particularly rough squeeze sends his head almost flying back as more and more clear pre begins to dribble out from his tip.

He's just barely able to pull himself upright again—and his hands fall away. His voice raises, but not in a moan or sigh this time. ]

—I'm sorry if that made you uncomfortable. Should've established boundaries before all this. [ Keeping a straight face while she's still working him is tough, but he manages to get the words out coherently. ]

You should—mmn...—you should slow down. Take your time to enjoy the experience. And if you want to be touched in return... just tell me. Feeling pleasure should be a mutual exchange.

[crimsonflower]

[Unfortunately despite Kaito's very admirable attempts at trying to soothe her and offer her kindness... Edelgard is feeling more contrary than she is appreciative. Had he simply let his hands fall away without a word perhaps she would have calmed down. However he vocalized it. Pointed out a flaw, a vulnerability.

No, she doesn't want to slow down, and she doesn't want to be touched. She wants this to be cold, mechanical, and finished. More determined then ever to get this over with, Edelgard takes a few more inches into her mouth. Taking the hint that his bucking hips where trying to give her. Mercilessly her tongue lashes at that spot, his frenulum, that he had mentioned before. All the while her hands work him over. A firm grip on his cock's girth, and continued exploratory fondling of his balls.

She might feel guilty later for acting out so harshly, but it's difficult to keep her head on straight in such an environment.]

[nagano]

[ Lips twist in a frown.

Kaito's not upset at her for that reaction... but it easily wipes away most of his enjoyment in the process. Not to play to stereotypes, but he tends to be very emotionally invested when it comes to fooling around—even with a near-stranger. That's the life of an empath.

So when she doubles down on trying to get him off as quickly as possible, he finds his thoughts lucid and gaze impassive as he watches. Do her hands and tongue still send electricity shooting through his nerves? Absolutely. When she begins to focus on his glans, his vision becomes noticeably blurry for a second.

But it's mechanical. Impersonal. Hardly more enjoyable than using his own hands to rub one out in the evening, even though hers offer such a different textural sensation. Aside from low growls and hisses, he's kept quiet.

In the end, however, he's still a guy with a cock, and all of the work she's put in so far has made him quite sensitive. That growing heat in his core gradually explodes into an inferno, and Kaito throws his head back while a moan catches in his throat. Hips buck and spasm, and she'll feel his balls tense before twitching and throbbing. His release spills out in thick, spurting ropes, splattering against Edelgard's tongue and the back of her throat as he arches his back and bumps his head a few times against the cavern floor.

This goes on for what feels like a solid minute before the empath's body falls limp, and the rise and fall of his chest accompanies heavy breaths. A scarred arm lifts to settle forearm over eyes as he begins to come down from that peak.

The cavern doors remain still and shut. ]

[crimsonflower]

[Oh she is most certainly silently taking Sothis' name in vain as she's surprised by his climax. Kaito's first spurt paints the inside of her mouth, and that's all she needs to jerk away in alarm while her hands cover his cock like a hose without a nozzle. It's a bit silly. She could pull away completely as he finishes his final waves and afterglow alone, but Edelgard seems determined to stay.

Her curiosity returns. As he lays there spent before her, she turns over her hands — palms covered in semen — to get the best look she can in the dim light of the glowing letters. The taste in her mouth isn't pleasant, but it's not... the worst? Honestly with it so dark and Kaito covering his eyes she dares to lick a bit more off her palm just to solidify her opinion.



Well, she'd certainly rather this than rabbit skewers, for sure.]

[nagano]

[ Kaito's member softens but remains mostly erect for a time after his climax... until it just kinda floops back onto his crotch. Although he's blocked his eyes, he can still vividly feel the other's curiosity peek out again.

Knowing full well that she hasn't responded entirely positively to his words so far, he cracks an amused smile—and speaks up anyway. ]

Having fun over there? Didn't get too much down the throat, did you?

[crimsonflower]

[But how?! It's so dark! In a huff Edelgard smears the remainder of Kaito's release on his inner thigh before getting up and stomping back over to her clothes.]

You certainly don't know when to keep your words down your own throat.

[nagano]

[ Oh, okay.

Now he can be a little spiteful. As she strides back to her clothes, the empath conjures a small sphere of water to clean himself off. Once finished, he dissolves the element and pushes to his feet. ]

For better or worse.

[ His tone bleeds amusement. Kaito waits a beat before adding, ]

So. What should we try next?

[crimsonflower]

Well... I do suppose it means for us both to be satisfied, yes?

[The oni said it was like a marriage ritual. Edelgard puts her hands on her hips and frowns at the letters — still shining mockingly on the wall.]

[nagano]

Reasonable conclusion to come to, yeah...

[ Kaito follows her gaze to the cavern wall. 'You may not leave until you satisfy your partner.'

Golds eventually peer back at the silhouette of her form. ]

Mmm... Well? How are we gonna do this?