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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[ 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. ]

[ 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?

[ 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?

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?

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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! ]

[ 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! ]

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. ]

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. ]

Yeah...wasn't sure how good you were feeling by now, so I...

[ There it was again, that nagging feeling that he was overthinking things again. She didn't even need to ask and he would have been back in a jiffy. Yet here she is, a spring in her step and happier than before now that they've successfully passed three trials. Cloud knows that after what he's experienced? That was his final run. Nobody better to end this with than ~~his Oni waifu~~ his partner. Ultimately, he resigns himself, patiently waiting as she covers herself up and returns with one for him.

They're not very long, just enough to cover partway down their legs, very simple yet comfortable with a sash available to loop through the waist. ]

...?

[ Wait... Her ponytail. He raises a brow to that, about to voice his observation when she's presenting him with his robe. ]

Looks like it.

[ Feels like it too. Sighing through his nose, Cloud is at least going to find solace in taking her hand again as they return to bed. He still thinks she should rest and not overexert herself. Once they take the short few steps back over towards the spacious bed, Cloud will finally let go so he can slip his own robe on and tie the sash. He's still wearing his pants, but he'll swap out of them for some shorts before they leave.

He's seen the cherry blossoms, but... ]

Ayaka? [ He sits back down with her, finally letting his blue eyes trail down the length of her hair. ] The end of your hair...

[ To the bed they go! Ayaka's more than happy to follow Cloud's lead, taking a seat on the bed. Her attention's diverted from him to her hair that she looks down, her sudden movement making her hair move away from the direction she's facing.

Wait— but she's supposed to look at that! She turns to face the other way, in which case, her ponytail moves the opposite direction. And that's about all that happens until she figures it out and stops moving too much altogether.

Like a dog chasing its tail.

Without turning anymore, she tries to reach for the end of her ponytail to see what Cloud is talking about. 'Lo and behold! It's become blonde! ]

I didn't notice! Was this just now?

[ Cloud really should just reached out for it...but then she might have turned from him to see. And then she'd have more than herself chasing her own tail now. But seeing her try to see her hair as her ponytail sways and circles behind her, evading her gaze over and over... ]

Stop, [ he says with a trace of a laugh in his voice. Sometimes he doesn't know what he's supposed to think when he's with her. Beautiful? Captivating? Adorable? ...definitely not that last one. It's not a common word in his vocabulary, if at all.

...

Cute. Yeah, this is exactly what she's done to herself, as he feels his cheeks turning red being this close to her. As the word floats through his head, so too do those soft emerald particles of Mako as they briefly return to glitter away. ]

Yup. [ Wait a minute. ] Come to think of it...

[ As he's calmed down and recollected, when he caught her back at the Trial of Love... Cloud scoots in a little closer at her side, vivid blue eyes looking between her and the end of her ponytail she holds. His thought trails off in the wake of another question as his hand gently rests in hers, her blonde locks kept between. ]

Could it be Kizuna?

Ah... we talked about this before, didn't we?

[ Hair changing colours and all. She recalls Aether was the one who mentioned it to her, and she shared to Cloud what she knows. Huh! She didn't think it would happen to her. ]

It might be Kizuna, then... Though it is not quite the same as what happened to Aether before.

[ And if it happened just now, then she doesn't think the cause could be anything else but being with Cloud... Lifting both their hands so she can put the tips of her hair close to his. ]

It's the same shade as your hair. [ Oh, but... the most important question... Setting their hands down back on her lap, ] Do you mind it?

Edited 2022-07-03 09:07 (UTC)

Mm. Pretty sure.

[ The deepest bond he's formed in this world was with Ayaka, and save for the glowing particles of mako that have become more abundant in her presence, his hair changing color? As far as he can tell, hasn't happened yet. When Ayaka lifts both their hands up, he instinctively leans his head down a little so that she won't have to lift the end of her ponytail so high. In his peripheral view, he can see it when matched up to his spikes of bright blonde hair. There's a sense of wonder in his eyes as she lowers their hands back to her lap.

This is...unreal. But more importantly, something about her adapting a part of him due to their bond gets his cheeks glowing warm. It's not very long before his gaze returns to hers, bright greys to his vivid blues. ]

No. [ He shakes his head, affirming his answer with a light squeeze of her hand. If they weren't clasping her hair tips, he might have shifted his hold. ] Now I'm curious how you'd look all blonde.

Ah... [ A little nervous laugh escapes her, anxiety building up from when she realised Kizuna has made a part of her hair change colour. To his, even. ] Thank you. I'm glad.

[ Glad and relieved that Cloud doesn't mind, specifically. She won't deny that she would like to be closer to him, nor could she make little of the relationship they have. But if she likes him more than he likes her, or if having the same hair colour as his due to her feelings for him was disturbing? It would have been really embarrassing for her. She can't stop how she feels for him! And she wouldn't know how to, at this point. ]

I admit, I'm a little unsure if I want to find out, but if it does indeed happen, then I would consider it a good thing.

[ Her face has gotten warm just thinking about it. Could their bond truly become that strong? Only time will tell. As for Ayaka, it is something that she would like. She doesn't think she could ever go back to just being friends with Cloud. She likes him so much. ]

[ He doesn't want her to feel nervous about all this. While he does take care of his appearance, he also wasn't waking up every day thinking to himself "boy i sure do hope my hair turns green". Though the fact that her hair has already started to turn his color while, as far as he could tell, nothing happened to him? That actually makes him sigh through his nose a little. They say that the side effects of Kizuna become more and more apparent the closer you become with one you've bonded with.

It's a wonder how the magical and physical side effects didn't start that fateful night of the 'palace escape'. But if Cloud were given the time to think and be clear with himself...

Now that he knew who he was, and was starting to understand what ~~who~~ he wanted and was willing to take a chance on... No. Cloud doesn't need it. He didn't need it back then to know how he felt about her. Whether it's sakura petals dancing above her head, traces of the Planet's light sparkling above his, or the tips of her hair changing color for him,

He would trade it all for just Ayaka. Just her smile- a memory in a gazebo worth looping in his heart over and over. ]

Beautiful either way...

[ Softly, he shares himself at the end of this journey of promises, of devotion, and as his words reach out for her and unbeknownst to him a streak of blue hair flows amongst golden spikes... ~~of love.~~ ]

[ She lets go of her hair to hold his hand properly. Flashing her beau a sweet smile, she thinks of how fortunate she is to be with him right now. She would have leaned in to kiss him, forgoing the act of asking him if she may, but she notices something not quite odd, but unusual.

... but it's not a bad thing at all.

She can point it out later. For now, she leans in to kiss him, her smile suggesting that he should just go ahead and kiss her already. They only just did so a few minutes ago when they arrived in his room, but it's not a bad thing to want to kiss your ~~boyfriend~~beau again, is it?

Not too chaste, but nothing too heated, either. Ayaka lets the kiss linger before pulling away, keeping her hand in his. ]

Your hair has changed, too.

[ And there it is. That smile he'd trade for every Kizuna trait he could imagine. Maybe it's because of the lack of fighting, and how his journey across the Planet was still so young...but he's opened himself up far more than he ever would have realized. Then again, he's been meeting extraordinary people before even setting foot through that door into this new world. Yet over the first couple months since arriving, nobody really caught his eye in the same way that Ayaka did. He didn't even think he was searching... Yet it's when the disembodied words 'found you' raced through his head whenever he ran into her, did it start to click.

It's only been a couple weeks since they left Nara. Yet every day that he wasn't there, staring out in the direction of Kyoto more than he should have been keeping his eyes ahead...it feels like he was missing something.

So when she leans in, cueing him to return her affections with a kiss? He's not chaste about it. Not asking for further passage yet coming back for another as his lips sweep against hers. ]

Mm? [ He's the one to lace their fingers first, feeling quite warm but equally content. His hair's changed...and as much as he wants to bring the longer side spike over so he can catch a glance? ] How's it look?

[ His question is accompanied by another kiss, the same level of warm yet tempted fervor as before. He wasn't quite done catching up on lost time yet. ]

Just as charming. Hehe.

[ She doesn't think she'd anything quite like that to him before! But she's not embarrassed for saying that. It's what she thinks, and how she feels. With him, she can be herself. He's allowed her! Hopefully he doesn't mind her saying things like that.

Her response is said in between kisses, her little laugh covered up by her putting more weight on him, unable to settle for just the two of them sitting on the bed. She hopes he'll forgive her— she wants to be close, to feel his touch, to feel his heart beat. They'd only not seen each other for a little over a week, but it feels longer with how much she's missed him.

There's a knock on the door, though. Ayaka realises that their time together like this is fleeting. That's fine. They can continue later. Pulling away and squeezing his hand, she gives him a small smile. ]

I believe our food is here.

I'll take your word for it.

[ He smiles against her lips, feeling a shiver of anticipation and deepened longing when she puts more weight on him. Enamored with everything about her, that first trial they endured only made the build-up towards this all the more torture. With what Ayaka was wearing over these past couple days, he'd have been a fool not to have looked at least once or twice. And while those thoughts were cast aside during their trials? They all come back full force as their kisses intensify. The thoughts that his sweet girlfriend put in his brain with her exposed chest, her soft thighs he'd felt in his hands time and time again... Just when he's prepared to give her hand in his a light tug, and coerce her into his lap with how little they were wearing though...

Knock, knock! Like somebody snapping a finger to break him out of this hypnotic spell, and they both pull away at the same time. Cloud can't be disappointed. Not when he has her no matter what.

That didn't mean his skin wasn't tingling and his heart pounding though. ]

Good.

[ They can continue later! Much later. Cloud was, rightfully so, more intent on keeping her comfortable and taking care of her. After what she did during the Trial of Love, he felt that he could do more than just kiss her to make up for lost time. He'll give her all the cool things that she could ask for. She squeezes his hand, and he takes that as permission to answer the door as he lets go to retrieve their order. After giving his thanks to the Ao Oni server, seeing the young swordsman in one of their provided short robes, they give their approval without the condescending tone. Yet again a shift in their mood from when he just arrived...

Cloud returns with a large tray. Being as the resort is more lavish on this side of Kyushu, the plating and presentation are immaculate as he sets it down in the middle of the bed.

There's no dining room table in here. Yes, they're about to have sushi in bed. Thank god they're not the type to bounce on the mattress. Omakase Sashimi is the colorful star of the show, with melon and strawberry shakes on the side and eight delicious and glistening pieces of unagi atop their respective beds of rice. Chopsticks, napkins, containers for soy sauce and fresh ginger & wasabi are provided. They've pulled out all the stops! And they didn't have to pay a dime for it. ]

[ The bed isn't the most formal of places to eat, but Ayaka will allow it. The Shirasagi Himegimi would mind, but not her. They'll just have to be very careful, since there's soy sauce! And they shouldn't spill on the sheets, else they'll end up smelling weird later on.

After preparing her chopsticks, she looks at Cloud and claps her hands together to get his attention. They'll bless their food together, and she'll wait for him to take a piece before she does the same.

Just like at the tea house! The only difference is there's more unagi now.

Perhaps because they'd been catching up on lost time before the food arrived, but Ayaka is in a playful mood. The oni congratulating the two of them reminds her of what the trial meant for them. It would fluster her, but... she doesn't think she minds right now. If it means her bond with someone she cares about has grown stronger, then that's all she needs.

Taking a piece of unagi, she carefully dips it in soy sauce 'til the rice is nice and light brown. Just right! The last time they ate, she didn't notice Cloud touch the wasabi, so... ]

This is for you.

[ Say "ah", Cloud. Your wife is going to feed you, lifting the piece slowly and closer to the blond, making sure nothing drips or falls off the chopsticks. ]

[ There's a desk, but that's hardly enough room...and in his head, might actually be awkward trying to crowd around while they ate. It's not like the housewarming party where he and Ayaka were conversing by the long table of various delectable goodies. He'll be extra careful for the sauce. So long as they keep it on the tray, even if there's drops or a spill, they'll be fine! Sitting back and crossing his legs to get comfortable, he snaps his chopsticks a little uneven when she claps her hands to get his attention. Oh! Right. He even was the one who tried to emulate proper Nippon (and Inazuman?) etiquette on their first date.

He joins her, nodding his head before he goes for a slice of salmon sashimi. It's popular for a reason...and honestly probably one of his favorites since coming here. It's a good thing the omakase came with a fair amount! He gently trails the piece in the soy sauce before giving a satisfied little hum upon eating. ]

[ "This is for you." ]

Huh?

[ He realizes what she's doing as the perfectly soaked rice and unagi nigiri rest delicately atop her chopsticks. At first, he stares wide-eyed, wondering what she's up to. And when he lifts his chopsticks, awkwardly assuming that she's going to pass it to him so that he can take the piece on his? She's not aiming for his chopsticks.

His breath catches, but unlike times in the past... ]

...

[ Just like going for a high five, Cloud. Only it's your girlfriend and she's looking at you with those pure eyes and your face is red. ]

... Ah...

[ He leans in, gently closing his mouth over the end of her chopsticks to nom the Unagi. He's so nervous, but his bright blue eyes don't lose sight of her for a single second. Even as he hums and tries not to laugh as he leans back and enjoys. ]

[ Ayaka almost loses heart when she notices Cloud doesn't get it, instead trying to get what she's offering him with his own set of chopsticks.

Oh no...

But!! He reads her mind! And she couldn't be any more happy. Covering her mouth with her free hand, she lets out a soft giggle. This is nice. ]

It is just the two of us, so... I wanted to see what it would be like to do that.

[ She read about it in a light novel. 🥺 ]

Is the unagi good?

Where'd you get that idea from?

[ He's actually curious! Now that he's actually gotten over that nervous hump of being fed somewhat. But then she's asking him how it is. Was he supposed to give her an honest answer? Analyze the flavors? It's not his specialty, but then again, didn't he pride himself on being something of a jack-of-all-trades? It's what made him popular in the slums of Midgar as a mercenary. He muses...and muses...looking like he's thinking long and hard.

When in actuality, he's been eyeing up another piece of Unagi. He says nothing at first, careful in leaning towards the tray to snatch up another piece. Months of picking up grains of overcooked or burnt rice, and he looks rather practiced in his motions now. A far cry from his awkward grip he had when they first went to a teahouse together. He gently dabs it in soy sauce, opting to skip on the wasabi again for this one.

Was he going for another one before giving his feedback? ]

...

[ As a more relaxed sigh passes through his nose and his expression softens, not exactly. At least, it's a different kind of feedback he has in mind as he holds up his piece towards her. ]

You tell me.

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