June | Event: Trial of the Soul

[jikan_mod]

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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[sultanofsquat]

[ Causing physical pain on such a level that it even causes a mighty Oni to keel over upon their artifact being destroyed...he thinks he can handle it. Yet her softening expression completely contrasts the conflict in his eyes. It leaves him to wonder. Was he overreacting? Was it really so simple despite the implications of breaking someone else's Soul Artifact? No ill effect beyond the pain. But this is important to her... It isn't until she approaches him, blade in her hold sideways that his breath hitches.

Instead of leaving him...she's coming right for him. This wasn't some dream, either. His clutch upon her book tightens when she stands before him and extends her hand. With no table in sight, the only place left for Cloud's sword to go was back in his possession...or on the floor. Just the same as Ayaka with her own possession. Their eyes meet, those beautiful icier grey eyes and it's finally his turn to let out a shaky breath. When he looks into her eyes and sees her holding out her hand, it finally clicks with him why he wasn't willing to hurt her.

Why he wasn't prepared to break the Soul Artifact. Why he was, frankly, willing to give up and find another way to make his wish come true.

"But... I would like to do this. For you, Cloud." ]

Sorry... That's why I can't.

[ Because she's willing to hurt herself for his sake. Because she's willing to break the manifestation of her soul for him. Because, as he finally lets go of his vice upon her diary, placing her book back into her free hand, ]

Losing a part of you... [ He lets go of her book. ] Rather lose this trial than that.

[ The sheer gravity behind his words...and the realization of what that all means will hit him later as he forgets that anyone else was even here. It was just them as he once held a piece of her soul in his hand. As he says this, Cloud will reach for the handle of his own Soul Artifact, hoping to claim it back so he can surrender. So he can reassure her that he doesn't need this trial money. That he'll work even harder from now to make it up to her. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ From the moment they met, ate underneath a giant sakura tree, got to know each other... there was something about Cloud that was just so charming. To Ayaka, he's always been so kind to her, so honest, even after she'd told him of who she is and what she stands for back home. That didn't seem to change how he treated her. In fact, he encouraged her to be more like herself. And she's so grateful to him for letting her do that.

His words now make her feel even more confident of her decision. Hopefully Cloud does not let go of her artifact, because even though she feels the weight on her palm? That wasn't what she was aiming for. She wanted to hold his hand. Instead, she reaches to cup his cheek, get him to look at her and to see just how determined she is to see this through. This is all for him. ]

There is nothing for you to lose, Cloud. This trial will not change that. You have had all of me before we even came here.

[ And she has been waiting for days for him to come back to her. To see him again and spend time with him again. They don't even have to go out or eat. She just wants to hold his hand again as they look up at the sky and watch the stars. It's... a different kind of loneliness. He's just there, hours away, and yet... she can't reach him.

One of the onis coughs, probably grossed out from what they're hearing. These refugees are so in love with one another that they need to get this over with and get married already!

That's Ayaka's signal to pull away, taking her diary just as she gives him his sword back. One last look at him, and she says, ]

I know you'll catch me.

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ A mysterious veil of chilling mist through the streets of Tokyo, a Giant Nippon Salamander in hot pursuit yet always out of reach... That was the first time he ever laid eyes upon the Shirasagi Himegimi.

In that very same day, he'd captured shades of the girl who just wanted to be Ayaka. Eating underneath the giant sakura tree was a moment forever imprinted in his mind, even as he watched her walk away while he stayed behind to make a wish. Before he even understood what was happening to him, he'd found her again in another city. And so the story of "Cloud" and "Ayaka" began, captured on stage as bittersweet words of confession flowed off their tongues. Confessions that have never quite left the stage or scripts they both carry. But for every future encounter, or tender moment that saw her be caught at the train station before last call, unbearable heat that only made the heart grow fonder, a kiss that came of his own volition when she beckoned him to keep his eyes on her.

He's bore more than he has to even some he knew from home, leaving the stronghearted Ayaka to shoulder his words and stories. And she did it all with a smile and care that he just couldn't dare imagine pushing away. Not when all he could think of and want was to pull her closer. Going through every wave of emotion that's rocked him since coming here, leading to him relearning what he's actually done in life and why he forgot what he did... Everything could be summed up very simply. Wrapped with a pretty little bow with a single gesture.

Ayaka's hand gliding over his cheek to cup it, to make sure he never once lost sight of her as he instinctively doesn't let the piece of her in his hand fall.

His lips stay parted, and instead of his heart in his chest...he can feel it beating in his head as her words act like the killing blow.

"You have had all of me before we even came here." ]

.....

[ It's the reason he came to Kyushu. He came here because it took him days to come back to her. To stay with her like he swore he would. To reexperience that night under the stars, shooting across the heavens or not. He has friends. He even has his best friend back. But that empty hole he feels deep down? Feels so much bigger when he sits outside his apartment to look off in the direction of Kyoto. It's at this moment something deep in his heart shifts once more. The oni may be coughing and thinking of how gross this exchange was, but Cloud didn't dare put the right words to this new feeling that flourishes.

He likes her. He always has. But hearing her tell him that he couldn't lose what she's already given everything to...

Cloud holds his odachi loosely by his side as he returns her book, still reeling from the core of his soul at her words when she gives him one final look and says, ]

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ "I know you'll catch me." ]

Ayaka-?

[ !! Wait, don't—! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ In her heart, this is the right thing to do. She does not want to see more people she cares about getting hurt. Her father passed away from working too hard and too much, getting sick in the process. Her mother grew sick after her father passed away, too. That's enough for one lifetime, she thinks. Knowing all that, and seeing how hard her brother worked when they were younger just to bring back glory to the Kamisato name, of course she had to step up and do something, as well.

Cloud has been working hard these past days. When they talk over the phone, he would still sound fine, but after a long day's work? Even someone as strong as he is had to be tired, right? All Ayaka could offer were her words, her presence over the phone, and nothing else. It did not feel fair, when he was doing what he could to make his wish come true. It would not be fair to let it continue that way— that Cloud was doing his best to stay with her and all she did was wait.

So, eyes on her, Cloud. There's a smile on her face, reassuring him that everything will be okay, and he will lose nothing from this. Her appearance may make it seem that she is soft and fragile, but she is a lot tougher than she looks. From everything she has gone through with her family, the conflict in Inazuma, and everything else in between, she has a heart that can withstand a trial like this.

Her diary is opened from the back, ripping the last page in one swift motion. And just as quickly, it feels as if her heart is being squeezed tightly. Her eyes widen, pupils dilate, and she jerks forward as she gasps for air. It is painful, her ankles giving up on her as she slowly loses control of her own body. The artifact drops to the floor just as she does if she's not caught, a hand clutching her chest.

Seconds later, her heart is released from an invisible grip. There's air in her lungs again, but with how quickly her heart is beating now? It will take a little more time for her to recover.

This is reality, though. This is not an act where Ayaka falls to her knees, weakened and bruised, and at the brink of death. This is not an act where she tells the person she's loved for so long how she truly feels for the first time. Rather, this is where Ayaka fights to prove her worth to the person who has captured her heart, so that they may not be apart for long. Just as the samurai value honour, obedience, duty, and self-sacrifice above all, she carries the crest of the Kamisato Clan with her in her heart.

The tsubaki blooms in the winter and is a symbol of bravery and strength against all odds, according to the samurai. And should Cloud pay a visit to the book she gave him as a present, he would also find out that tsubaki are a symbol of deep affection and love. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud reaches out to her, prepared to snatch the book to put a stop to her. With this short distance between them, he can make it in time and— ]

!!? Guh—

[ A flash. That's all it was through his mind as the split second of pain through his brain prevents him from stopping her when his vision clears to the sight of the white heron falling before his very eyes. There's not enough air in the world to satiate his lungs, as he struggles to remember how to breath at the soul crushing sight. Another person who fell...and he let it happen again. Cloud couldn't protect his Mom when Nibelheim burned to the ground. He couldn't save Tifa when she was left for dead at the Reactor. He couldn't s̷̰͝a̵͓͊v̷̭̀é̴͉ ̶̹̔Z̶̒ͅả̵̤c̶̻͗k̵͈̀. The world was crumbling down in his burning nightmare, fear in the eyes of the girl whose last word was barely his name.

"You are too weak to save anyone."

(Shut up...)

"Not even yourself." ]

!!

[ Cloud catches Ayaka before she can fall, the sound of his Soul Artifact clattering to the ground like a ringing echo as she falls into him. As she clutches her chest in pain, he's careful in lowering her to the ground, partially seated upright as he falls to his knees to hold her. His arm wraps around her shoulders tight as he looks for any sign that she was okay. That she could see and hear him. ]

Ayaka... [ His now freed hand moves to clasp hers upon her chest, giving her a shake. ] Ayaka!

[ And just when Cloud's hand squeezes hers, the invisible clutch upon her heart is released and she breathes again. Any guilt he may have felt in letting this happen to her is temporarily thrown to the wayside, her Soul Artifact tarnished by a torn page as he feels like he can finally breath with her. Yet he can't speak. Not yet anyway as he holds her close to his chest and doesn't take his eyes off her. Not for a moment. Just like she told him. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ It is painful, her heart literally aching as she tries to catch her breath. When her eyes open, though, and the first thing she sees is Cloud? All she wants to do is smile up at him, and she has to fight the tears that want to come out from the lack of air. She can't let him see her cry... not now. Just as she's faced other challenges in life with a smile, she'll show him that this is just like any other. ]

I missed you, [ She tells him, most of her weight on him. It's just as she thought— he would catch her. She can rest easy now. ] I missed you so much, Cloud.

[ One of the onis presiding the trial walks up to them, picking up Cloud's artifact in the process.

"Congratulations," he says, and talks about how they've succeeded in the marriage ritual. Ayaka can hear it, nuzzling her head against Cloud's shoulder as a reaction, but she doesn't say anything. She just got the wind stolen from her lungs for a few good moments. Even telling Cloud she missed him took a lot of work.

Still, they succeeded. She's happy. And because of this, she thinks she can see him again in a far greater capacity. That's the true success here. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ He can breath again, a tremble of one yet he breathes nonetheless. Her opening her eyes alleviates his worries some. He knows that this pain would pass, but she'd willingly given up a manifestation of her soul for him. He let her hurt herself for his sake. Forget Ayato's ire if he were to ever find out. The one who'd be hardest on him was himself. He doesn't cry...yet it's when her words reach him again behind a strong-willed smile...

"I missed you so much, Cloud."

His fortitude's tested. His eyes visibly quiver as carefully hugs her against his shoulder. Cloud has to get a hold of himself... Breathing again, he wills any notion of crying away as the gravity of her further words rests deep in his heart. He hadn't done anything wrong, yet it's because he willingly stayed away so he could continue to work and accrue money that it only made the heart grow fonder. If he had any clearer of a mind, it'd be telling him to kiss her again. To breath life back into her after what she'd willingly put herself through. The oni walks up to them then, however, congratulating the couple upon successfully passing.

Then...they both passed? The whole thing about "marriage" doesn't register yet so much as the fact this was a trick. The importance of the Trial of Love was so that the bonded pair would simply participate altogether. To surrender, to break one's Soul Artifact and trust the other, it mattered not, only that their bond be tested. And judging by what it's done to the two? As Cloud cradles Ayaka against his shoulder, fingers threading into her hair whilst she nuzzles her head against him... It worked. It sure as hell worked.

Cloud's artifact remains intact, entrusted and laid to rest by the man's side as the onis presiding the trial offer their support now that the ritual was over. ]

I'm staying. I'm staying right here...

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka stays where she is, comfortable being held like this. She can't participate in the conversation right now, finding it difficult to breathe. All she can do is concentrate on that one thing, 'til air fills her lungs again and she's regained her strength.

An oni tells them that they should move along for the celebration soon— a party that'll celebrate everyone's success. But he also tells Cloud to get the girl some place comfortable so that she can rest. Considering that the oni have participated in this trial before, they know she'll be fine in the end. They tell Cloud not to worry, and start wrapping things up. There are other people waiting to do this ritual, too.

As for Ayaka? She's truly happy that this was a success. When she's feeling stronger, she'd notice it, too— The tip of her ponytail changing from snow blue to blonde. Her bond with Cloud has become stronger. ]

back to kumamoto . . .

[sultanofsquat]

[ The celebration in Beppu would come soon, they were told. As for when? The festivities would begin tomorrow as the final pairs underwent the trials. Only two out of the three were required to successfully attend, but for Cloud...going through all three with Ayaka was the only option to him. They were also the very last he participated in. It didn't matter if it took two days. Three. He wasn't leaving Ayaka's side for anything. Not until she was stronger. Soul Artifact sheathed at his side, he takes her back to Kumamoto, back to his lodging so that she can get some rest. Whether he carried her back, or simply supported her body against his as they walked, the shift from snowy blue to the flecks of gold towards the tip of her ponytail aren't lost on him.

With the couple having underwent the final trial, not to mention adjusting to their customs as they have over these past few days, the Ao Oni no longer seem to look upon them condescendingly. In fact, upon arriving, they seem to respect their intimate yet somber bond as Cloud continues to reassure Ayaka...and perhaps himself. It didn't matter who saw them as they make their way back to the resort. The whole time, Cloud's eyes were on her. ]

Almost there.

[ When they finally get back to his room? When he knows that she's safe and sound? That's when he let himself breath some more. He can finally relax and better give her all the attention that she deserves. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Letting Cloud take the lead, she lets him bring her to wherever he deems necessary for her rest. She won't go against his wishes after letting him witness what she did. If there's anything he wishes to tell her, if he wants to talk about what happened, she'll listen to him. Just as much as he's listened to her when she's made requests in the past.

They should receive their compensation before they leave Kyushu. When they do? Ayaka will refuse any for her, instead directing what was intended for her to Cloud. She went here to see him, to travel more of this world they're living in with him. The trials and everything else were just conveniently there. She doesn't need whatever payment would be given to her.

She doesn't get up from Cloud's bed just yet, finding the strength to even push herself up to be difficult. But she thinks she can speak... it's fine, she can catch her breath along the way. After all that, she's still smiling, cheerful as ever. ]

Thank you, Cloud.

[ That is the most important thing she can tell him right now. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ It's a myriad of thoughts, a maelstrom of words that vie for his attention to breach the surface. He wants to ask her why the hell she went ahead and did that. To tell her that what she did was reckless. Did she really put his feelings into account? He knows that last question wasn't right...but he still can't help but feel his heart sink when he finally lays her down on his bed to rest. Even now...she was still smiling.

And it's because of that he can't think to scold her or reprimand her. That would be heartless, and only lashing out in hurt. Don't, Cloud. Let your feelings go, and embrace her for everything she's done.

"Thank you, Cloud."

He doesn't leave her side on the bed, so focused on keeping her attention as he holds her hand between both of his. She's safe, now, he thinks to himself. She just needs her rest, he thinks to himself. He wants to hold her, but he's afraid of suffocating her when she needs air. Only for her words that pierce his soul deeper than any blade could ever run. She missed him.

She missed him so much, that she was willing to hurt a piece of herself for him. What's done is done, now, and all he can do is do as she would. Be the best support that he can be. Being in Kumamoto, at least, afforded them some luxury. Even if it came with some condescending attitude from the locals. What he doesn't realize yet, is that the two are practically considered one of them, now. And so...if that was the case, ]

Dunno about you... [ A good oni should tend to their wife, right? ] But I could go for some room service.

[mistsplitter]

Could you order something cold for me?

[ Something to get her heart going. Something like a fruit shake would be nice. Sashimi is always served cold, too. :)

She should like to talk to Cloud a bit more, though. Pushing herself up slowly, she rests her back on the bed as she gets comfortable. She knows that Cloud would have continue to protest, but... to her? It really isn't all that bad. She doesn't think she lost a piece of her soul— she's completely fine! Weak, but fine. And perhaps she should tell him that, to get him to smile for her again. ]

I am safe, Cloud. I don't feel any different... just a little weak.

So... let's celebrate our success, yes?

[sultanofsquat]

Got it.

[ Reluctantly, albeit with less tension in his shoulders than before, he lets go of her hand so that she can push herself up slowly, resting on the bed. He keeps a cautious eye on her, unable to help himself when he mentions, ] Easy now. [ Moving around the side of the bed, he receives the little pamphlet containing a menu issued to his room. He didn't really utilize it much at first, but if the refugees were to live in luxury for free whilst exploring the power of Kizuna? With Ayaka in tow, he's going to take full advantage of that. ]

... [ He's past tears at this point, he thinks to himself. Past that stage of emotion after both carrying her and helping her walk into his door. But he'd be lying if he said that she wasn't wearing him down. Her words encourage him, and if there's one way he doesn't mind being defeated by her in...it's this. ] Never a dull moment with you.

[ Something cold... In the time it takes for room service to come, he's going to get her some water in the meantime. But before he can do that? A couple menu items catch his eye. As he's put through to the kitchen, the Oni who answers him sounds far less lethargic and "whatever" to him this time around. As Cloud orders drinks for the two, a cold melon shake for Ayaka and strawberry for Cloud (unless she wants to try some of his), if Ayaka listens as he orders a plate of omakase sushi for two... ]

How much nigiri can we get at a time? [ As much as the two can afford to eat without being wasteful... Fair enough? ] Eight pieces of Unagi.

[mistsplitter]

[ It's not that much, but the way Ayaka's eyes widen when she hears "unagi" just shows what a surprise that is to her. They're getting sushi! What a celebration this is, and she's very excited to hold Cloud's hand again when he's done with the call.

In fact, when he does hang up, she reaches for his hand with both of hers right away. The sakura that usually shows her happiness is in full bloom, spinning around her following an inaudible melody. ]

How exciting.

[sultanofsquat]

[ The instant that he hangs up and prepares to shuffle back towards her on the bed, she's already beaten him to the punch in taking his hand. She's still low energy, but her smile was more than enough to light up any room. And it's that very light that fills his heart as he looks at her. Even at her weakest, she shined so bright and beautiful. And for even a single moment, he let that crumble before his very eyes. And yet...it's just as she said before.

He was there to catch her. Just like she knew he would. Even with the sakura spinning around her blissfully, that wasn't going to stop him from closing what little distance remained between them on the bed. She won't have to move. He'll do everything for her now as he slips his hand around the back of her head and leans in with a heavier sigh.

Until his forehead gently taps hers, letting that smile she was searching for finally return. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka told him that she missed him early on, and she meant it with all her heart. She's already said it, though, so she feels there is no need to repeat it. And because she missed him? She hopes he won't take it against her when she leans in to kiss him on the lips. Their foreheads were already touching, and he's so close that it was impossible to resist. Ayaka wants to be with him, regardless of the circumstances. ]

Have you ever gone to a hot spring before?

[sultanofsquat]

[ It feels so natural, like breathing when her lips come in contact with his for a kiss. And it remains like that. A soft exchange even after they part and his other hand settles in her lap, brushing over a patch of her exposed thigh. If it weren't for the room service coming shortly (there's nothing to cook beyond the unagi going atop her nigiri), he might have pulled her down fully to lay with him after such a long string of trials and ordeals. He's not tired in the sense that he could sleep. All he wants right now is her. To take care of her.

To stay with her like he wished for. ]

Not yet. Saw the big one here on the resort though. [ A beat, his hand moving away from the back of her head as he opens his eyes. ] Guessing you have?

[mistsplitter]

Would you believe me if I said I haven't?

[ Probably. There are a lot of things she's never done before, after all! Maybe there would be a time when there aren't a lot of people, though, and they can claim a corner for their own.

A tilt of her head, and it makes the suggestion before she could even say anything more. ]

Would you like to go there with me later?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Were hot springs popular in Inazuma? Then again...it's just that. Her life back home was a sheltered one, due to her duties as the Shirasagi Himegimi. Now that he's mulled it over for a second or two, his answer comes clear enough. ]

Now I do.

[ His answer to her question, a soft tilt of her head the only indicator he needed, ]

Sure. After we eat if you're feeling up to it.

[ Words were a formality at this point. ]

[mistsplitter]

Yes, I would love to.

[ They're going and he can't back out now. The only challenge is finding a secluded spot for them, because they'd have to enter the mixed bath if they go together! Ayaka doesn't really want other men to see her in the bath... ]

I may want another cold drink afterwards, however. I hope the kitchen won't mind another order.

[sultanofsquat]

[ If things get hairy, Cloud might not be the tallest guy, but he's still bigger than Ayaka! He'll shield her from the eyes of other men, amicable or otherwise. His eyes? On her. Their eyes? Somewhere else. >:{ ]

S'all inclusive. You can have five.

[ Don't. Unless you're that thirsty, Ayaka. akjlsfhd But now that they were settled down? He's going to take the time to actually remove some of his clothes. ...or the lack he's wearing. Spending these past days here had made him less uncomfortable showing some skin, even though he'd no doubt go back to uniforms and modest attires upon returning to the two big cities. He draws back just enough to sit upright in bed, shrugging the sleeveless coat off his shoulders before unfastening the straps of his harness to get that off his chest. Literally.

Let his nips be free.

He doesn't know how people like Itto (or any Oni for that matter) do this for so long. Cloud really should have hunted around for a tube top or something... Temporarily topless, he sighs with relief before looking at Ayaka. Believe him. It was hell trying to maintain eye contact with his girlfriend. Despite everything their prior trials and this region had tested of them? Having her hug him as tight as she did in her 'shrine maiden' outfit, once the emotional high wore off? Made that "eyes up here" challenge paramount. She seems used to it now, but luckily, ]

Think there's a spare robe in my bathroom, if you want.

[ Because that's what he's planning on swapping over to on their way to the hot springs later anyway! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She will order five melon shakes.

And yes, Ayaka's gotten used to what she's wearing now. So long as she doesn't pay attention to it? Then no one will do the same. (It's a good mentality.) But because Cloud's saying something about it, though, then she'd have to address it. And address it in a way that gets her to stare up at him in his topless glory. ]

A- Ah... yes, please.

[ Or she can just wrap herself up in a burrito! The bed has a blanket, but a robe truly would be more comfortable.

... oh! He told her that so she could go get it! Maybe she should stop staring at him and push herself up and off the bed. She's well enough that she can walk the short distance, so... off she goes! ]

[sultanofsquat]

Huh?

[ Wait- Wait- She's already pushing herself up and off the bed. She doesn't make it very far before Cloud's already hopping up and over the bed to get to her. ]

Wait. I didn't mean to—

[ —make her get up! Cloud bounces off the bed and catches up with her as she walks towards the bathroom. ]

You okay?

[ Because there's no point in marching her straight back to bed now that they're both up... But he sure as hell wasn't ready to leave her alone. Up to her getting changed, anyway. ]

[mistsplitter]

I was going to get the robe you mentioned. Was I—

[ ... oh! Oh! She thinks she understands? Tilting her head curiously at him, she asks: ]

Did you mean to get it for me?

[ They're just a few steps away, though... she may as well start walking so she can get the robe to cover herself up with! She thinks Cloud will follow her if he wants to keep the conversation going.

With it wrapped around her now, and she's comfy in it? She faces Cloud with some pep in her step. Her ponytail, its tip coloured differently, sways when she moves. Before she closes the door to the bathroom though, she makes sure to get the other one for him. ]

I'm all right, Cloud. Thank you. This is very soft.

[ Offering the other robe, she smiles at him, just as inviting as all the other times she's done something for him. ]