jikan_rpg | June | Event: Trial of the Soul

June | Event: Trial of the Soul

Trial of the Soul↲ OOC Plotting

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By now, most Refugees have likely experienced various side effects of Kizuna while living in Nippon. Most of these effects have been mild, but occasionally, they've produced dangerous results due to Kizuna's unstable nature as pure Sora magic. But more than just a minor annoyance, studying how to harness Kizuna is vital to the NRL's goal of fixing the refugees' home worlds. And yet the professors of MRU have been limited in what they can do to assist the scientists in Tokyo with that goal.

But all that is about to change, as MRU announces a special collaboration with the Oni Clans of Kyushu regarding ancient Kizuna practices. Although Oni are not particularly known for their magical prowess, it's believed that the concept of Kizuna bonds originated in Oni culture. As such, they are by and far considered the best source to figure out the true nature of Kizuna.

Up until now, the Oni of Kyushu haven't been receptive to MRU's requests to help the refugees, due to infighting between the two leading Oni Clans. But it seems something has changed their minds...

A Tales of Two Clans

Naturally, the MRU isn't expecting the Refugees to volunteer to head to Kyushu for free. All Refugees willing to participate in the research will be rewarded financially for their time, in addition to being provided food and lodging during their stay. Just think of it as a nice little summer vacation!

But getting to Kyushu is no simple task. Although one could certainly take the train, it'd be a two-day trip, as Kyushu is located on the westernmost island of Nippon. Thankfully, many refugees have technically already been there: Kyushu is the region above which the Tengu city of Miyazaki sits. And with a little help from the Tengu, a new teleportation terminal is added to the region below, allowing for instant travel between Kyushu and Tokyo/Kyoto.

But when they arrive, they may find that their experiences will vary greatly depending on which city their lodgings are located, as Oni culture varies greatly depending on which Clan controls that territory.

Passive Aggressions Kumamoto, Kyushu
Those with lodgings in Western Kyushu will find themselves in the city of Kumamoto, located in Ao Oni territory. The Oni here all have vibrant blue skin, and the refugees will find that the locals are both friendly and curious about them. Aside from a handful of Inu Yokai, very few other varieties of Yokai can be found living in Oni territory, and no humans whatsoever.

Refugees will be housed in a resort located near the ocean shore, where they'll be treated to gourmet five course meals, a natural outdoor hot spring, and even complimentary massages. It's the height of luxury, though it does come at a bit of a cost. Although the Ao Oni are polite, there's always a distinct sense that they're being looked down on -- a certain passive aggression, as they show wonder in the fact the refugees can do anything for themselves. Whether it be constant compliments over their ability to use chopsticks and speak the language, or outright disbelief that they can perform magic or fight, it's hard to say whether it's founded in malice or ignorance. Especially seeing as many will remark that they've never met humans before.

As one of the more popular cities in Kyushu, Refugees may wish to explore some of the shopping districts, where artisan crafts and unique fashion can be purchased. Unlike typical fashion in Nippon, Oni fashion leans towards the risque, as their vibrant colored skin is a mark of pride. Kimono are often cropped at the sleeves and left open, with minimal fabric underneath to maintain modesty. Still, men are rarely going around outright topless, and will always wear something to cover those pesky male presenting nipples, be it a tube top, thin strips of fabric, or even leather straps.

If the Refugees hope to be treated with a bit more respect, switching to the local fashion is perhaps the only way to go. And hey, it's pretty hot in Kyushu, so surely it's a win-win situation!

Tsunderoni Oita, Kyushu
Refugees staying in the Eastern half of Kyushu will instead be taken to the city of Oita, located in Aka Oni territory, where the Oni possess bright red skin. Unlike the Ao Oni, the Aka Oni are far less friendly. Even those in charge of the refugees' housing will seem somewhat disinterested, simply showing them to their rooms in a small inn without fanfare. There's no luxury to be found here, though at least the food is decent.

The streets of Oita are a very different sight than what the Refugees may be used to in Nippon. Kyushu is an island rife with volcanic activity, and all throughout Oita, thick plumes of steam can be found rising out of buildings and from the sewers below the street. As such, the entire city is extremely humid, which some may even find to be downright unbearable. And while the inside of every building is equipped with powerful cooling spells, it may discourage some from exploring.

But perhaps that's for the best. Those who walk the streets of Oita will find themselves being treated as an oddity, with many businesses hesitant in serving them. Some locals may even be outright hostile, picking fights and jeering at them in streets. Those bearing obvious Kizuna effects will receive the brunt of this treatment.

And yet those same refugees will find that these encounters may in fact spawn additional Kizuna effects, on both themselves and the Oni harassing them, as if a bond were made between them. Nevermind the fact that Kizuna bonds between refugees and natives are usually very rare, the fact that there's a bond at all certainly implies that their hostility isn't hostility at all. Are the Aka Oni just really bad at dealing with new people??

Revolutionary Bond Kizuna

After a few days of familiarizing themselves with the Oni and the region of Kyushu, all refugee volunteers are taken to a small region of Oita known as Beppu, where elders from the two Oni clans are waiting for them in front of a large shrine. Behind them, many natural springs filled with boiling water create a smokey atmosphere, with the water occasionally boiling over and shooting into the sky like a geyser. They certainly know how to pick location to set a mood.

"Humans and halfings have long made a habit of taking that which they do not fully understand. These Kizuna bonds were once an important part of maintaining a unified Oni nation, but fell to the wayside as Clan divisions grew deeper.

Today, only fragments of those bonds remain, carried across generations through our blood. It is a powerful magic that binds souls together, weaving their connection into the fabric of reality itself!

...understandably, it grew less popular as divorce became more commonplace."

That's right: Kizuna bonds are an ancient Oni marriage ritual.

They continue to explain that the form of Kizuna used by the refugees has been mutated due to the sheer size of the bond that keeps them in Nippon. This is what causes the severe side effects, and is likely the reason that some refugees are able to manipulate reality to a small extent through wishes or other means.

To address these issues, the Oni's plan is two-fold. First, they'll teach the Refugees a secret arte that will allow them to wield the Kizuna they produce. And then, they ask that all refugees participate in three trials once performed by all Oni prior to their marriage. This is so they can better appreciate the gift they possess, and hopefully better understand the culture behind that power.

Soul Artifacts Beppu, Oita
Kizuna magic is a type of pure Sora magic, which is magic that deals with the soul. Thus, Kizuna bonds are bonds between two souls. But that bond can also be used to summon a construct known as a Soul Artifact. This is the magic the Oni will teach the Refugees how to perform, as the act of summoning an Artifact will help use some of the excess Kizuna that would otherwise produce side effects.

Soul Artifacts are physical representations of the soul. They can take any shape or form, and some even have special abilities. While it is possible for someone to summon their own soul artifact, it is far easier to have someone else who they are bonded with summon it instead.

The spell itself is deceptively simple. Simply calling someone's name and picturing an item being drawn from their chest is enough to summon the Soul Artifact. But the simplicity of it doesn't mean it'll be easy, and for most Refugees, they'll spend the first hour or so calling each other's names while awkwardly grabbing at each other's chests.

But eventually, should their bond be significantly strong enough, the image of what that artifact is will suddenly appear in their mind, allowing them to draw it out. While the Artifact can be anything from a weapon to an ordinary household item, the color scheme and general appearance will reflect the person it was drawn from. Likewise, all Artifacts are allowed one magical ability that may vary based on the bond between the pair.

Feel free to get creative with this! A knight may draw a sword from his princess's chest capable of shooting energy beams. A librarian may draw a book from her lover's chest that can predict the future one week ahead. A dominatrix may draw a dildo from her sub's chest capable of growing three times its size. As the most powerful magic in the world, Kizuna can do seemingly anything!

Really, it's no wonder the Oni want the Refugees to learn how to control it.

The Trials of Beppu Kyushu, Nippon
Those willing to accept the Oni's terms must participate in the Trials of Beppu, an ancient rite of passage once required of all Oni before the Clan leaders could approve of their marriage. Although the tradition is no longer widely practiced, the Clan leaders insist that the Refugees take part in order to show respect for the Kizuna they wield.

As Refugees are capable of bonding with anyone, they will be allowed and encouraged to retake any trial as many times as needed with as many people as they have bonded with.

The first trial, the Trial of Promise, is the most simple. A bonded pair must enter a special cave located behind a massive waterfall in Takachiho Gorge, said to have been the very same cave where the goddess Amaterasu once hid herself away, causing all light in the world to disappear. Upon entering, the cave entrance will abruptly seal itself, shrouding the pair in darkness.

Should the pair's bond be sufficiently strong, the cave will light up, revealing a hidden message carved into the stone: "You cannot leave until you"... do what, exactly? The prompt will vary based on the pair in question. Some may need to kiss, others may need to fuck, and others still may need to tell a secret, defeat one another, or even attempt to kill one another. Upon successfully completing the trial, the entrance will open, allowing them to leave at their leisure.

The second trial, the Trial of Devotion, will have a bonded pair enter a forest at the foot of Mt. Aso at night, armed only with their partner's Soul Artifact. A gently sloped mountainside home to an active volcano, the pair must ascend to the highest peak just outside the forest before sunrise. Toxic fumes pouring from the volcano's caldera aside, the forest itself is filled with terrifyingly huge monsters, including dodongo, lavahounds who combust when threatened, and giant beetles called daikabuto who can grow as big as houses.

Thankfully, there's a trick to all of this: as long as they maintain physical contact with one another, a special spell will protect them from all harm, though they can still be pushed around by anything attempting to separate them. The spell will only last until morning, but will refresh with a kiss before the morning sun -- so they best make haste to the top if they want a chance of getting back safely. Those who return with their spell intact will pass the trial.

The third and final trial is the Trial of Love, though it seems rather poorly named. In this trial, a pair will wield each other's Soul Artifacts, and must engage in combat against one another. The goal is to destroy your own Artifact without destroying the one you are wielding. Thankfully, as Soul Artifacts are only representations of the soul, destroying them will have no ill effect. But it can be very painful, not unlike a bond breaking, as one of the Aka Oni will demonstrate: shattering the sword drawn from his own soul, before falling to his knees and wheezing in pain.

Essentially, it's a battle for who can destroy their own Soul Artifact first, in order to spare their partner the pain of their Artifact breaking. But how is this supposed to work? Not all Soul Artifacts are weapons, after all!

As it turns out, the trial is a trick. Following the rules as given will still allow both competitors to pass, regardless of who wins. Likewise, should both participants come together and choose to either simultaneously break their Artifacts, or surrender the trial all together, it will still count as a pass. Because the true Trial of Love is simply the act of participating in the trial together to test their bond.

Aftermath Beppu, Oita
Once the trials are complete, those who passed at least two trials will be invited to a special ceremony, designed to mimic that of those long past. Naturally, since no one is getting married here (unless they want to??), the ceremony is mostly just an excuse for a massive feast. Taking place in a large open park just outside the city, hundreds of Oni have arrived from all over Kyushu to witness this rare event, where the current leader of the Aka Oni clan offers a few brief words.

"Time's finally changing, and after so much time unchanging, we Oni should learn to better embrace these changes. Otherwise, we're no better off than we were in the time loop. The bravery put on by these alien halfings is nothing to sneeze at. And I'd say they're as worthy of the Aka Oni name as any of you ol' farts sittin' out there drinking your asses off!"

Refugees who passed the trials will be considered unofficial members of the Ao and Aka Oni clans, and will find that from then on, the Oni of Kyushu with treat them with familiarity, as if somehow able to sense the bond they now share with their homeland. In addition to no shortage of food and booze, there's music and dancing that will last until well past sunrise.

Hot and Steamy

With the trials behind them and a new form of magic under their belts, the Refugees will be allowed to simply enjoy the rest of their vacation in Kyushu however they may please.

But there's just one question remaining: why did the Oni suddenly decide to help with the Kizuna research, despite Kizuna being such a cherished aspect of their culture?

As it turns out, the Refugees are having a larger impact on this world than they may realize.

Hellish Bathwater Beppu, Oita
As it turns out, the Trials of Beppu draw their names from a certain natural phenomenon known instead as the Hells of Beppu. It refers to an area in Eastern Kyushu where a number of naturally occurring hot springs carry unusual effects. However, unlike the enchanted pools of Hakone's Owakudani, not all of these springs are safe to enter.

Of them, one of the most popular is the Umi Jigoku, the sea of hell. A vast boiling spring with vibrantly blue water, this spring is said to be the deepest pool of water in Kyushu, with massive lily pads floating atop the surface that are believed to stretch for miles below. Brave and foolish Aka Oni can sometimes be found jumping between the lily pads to cross the steaming pool, or even grabbing passerbys to strand them on a lily pad in the middle. Standing in any one spot for too long will cause the lily pads to sink into the water, burning flesh within seconds, so those who visit may need to be prepared for an emergency rescue or two.

And those hoping for a spring they can actually soak in will find it at Chinoike Jigoku, the blood pond of hell. Appropriately named, the water in this spring is bright red in color and has a strange almost gooey consistency. Relaxing in this spring is said to have powerful healing effects, and according to legend, it can even revive the dead. Perhaps it's the latter reputation that keeps it from being more popular, but Refugees who soak in the strange water will find any aches, pains, or chronic conditions healed -- including those previously thought to be incurable.

The only downside is that the strange water has a tendency to get the blood boiling in a very specific way, leaving those who soak in it for too long in a state of prolonged arousal, earning the pond a second name: Chinchin Jigoku.

Stone Dragon God™ Sakurajima, Kyushu
Those looking for a little more excitement on their vacation look no further than Sakurajima, a region perpetually blanketed in smoke and ash from the nearby volcano of the same name. Thankfully, there hasn't been an eruption for a few weeks, so the region is currently safe to explore.

And they really ought to go take a look. In fact, the Oni will insist that it's a place all refugees ought to visit.

In addition to curious ruins of ancient cities forever half-buried in old mud flows, Sakurajima is currently home to a new species of ayakashi the Oni have taken to calling Ninseki, the stone people. These ayakashi only started appearing recently, and really, calling them ayakashi feels inaccurate. Capable of limited speech and organizing themselves in quaint villages, the only reason they're called ayakashi is because Ninseki used to be Kaoseki.

It's unknown how they came to evolve at such a fast rate, but the MRU has a few leads. And perhaps the most damning comes from the Ninseki themselves, who have taken to worshipping a figure they refer to as the stone dragon god, statues of whom can be found throughout Sakurajima, seemingly crafted using some kind of Tsuchi-based power unique to the Ninseki. A gift from the stone dragon god, perhaps?

Thankfully, the Ninseki themselves are extremely friendly, and will happily invite any refugees to join them in a meal or dance, or even challenge them to a race up the mountain! Perhaps it's because they were once forever stationary, but the Ninseki enjoy any activity that keeps them moving!

And for those who happen to recognize this stone dragon god of theirs, perhaps they'll understand why the Oni thought it vital that the Refugees learn to control the Kizuna they produce, lest they permanently alter this world well after they've left it.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's June event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While characters do not need to participate in the trials to visit Kyushu, they will not be provided lodgings, and may find it especially difficult to procure any on their own unless they visibly look like an Oni.

• Only characters who participate in this event will be able to unlock Soul Artifacts. Future characters will eventually be able to unlock it via Bonus AC.

• You have 100% creative control over how your character's Soul Artifact manifests. Likewise, you are welcome to have it change shape depending on who draws it from their soul. For example: Both Tom and Fred are bonded with Gloria. Tom draws a sword from Gloria's soul because he has a strong desire to protect her, but Fred draws a teacup because he greatly enjoys their weekly meet-ups at the local coffee shop. And Gloria draws a gun from her own soul because of her double life as an assassin.

• Teleporting out of the Trial of Promise will only work if both participants agree to forfeit the challenge. Likewise, agreeing to forfeit will cause the door to open after about an hour.

• All dangers in the Trial of Devotion are optional, as some may simply never come across any monsters during their hike, and all pairs are welcome to travel in groups. No climbing is necessary to reach the top, but it is a very long walk.

• There are no hints to imply the true means of passing the Trial of Love beyond the name, as the Oni will only tell them the rules and will answer no questions.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He very nearly stops in his tracks, and not when he sees her shadow tremble. It's long before that, in fact—when the myriad ghosts bound to her spirit begin to clamor. At first he thinks she's simply in a similar position as him, which is curious enough, but a second inspection reveals that their auras are inexplicably linked to her own.

That seals the deal, and he closes the gap. ]

You might think this strange, but...

[ A gloved hand lifts to scratch the back of his head, and he glances away before loosing a small chuckle. ]

They are all the more reason for me to invite you.

I'm Kaito—and terribly curious.

[ There were a number of reactions she was expecting, but him closing the gap wasn't one of them. While there's no outward change in her expression, her gaze is almost quizzical - intent and focused, as she watches him.

It is strange, she's more used to others being unnerved than anything else, but nothing here has matched up to what she's used to. So, seeming to come to a decision, she nods her head in greeting, the colder edges of her expression melting away. ]

I'm Lapis... It's nice to meet you, Kaito the terribly curious. [ And there's a teasing lilt to her voice, a brief playful moment. ]

If you have questions, I can answer them while we take a look at this cave.

[ That's the ~~annoying~~ thing about empaths: they don't need visual cues. Well, the magic ones don't. Either way, Kaito manages to flash a smile, appreciative of her tone. ]

And it's nice to meet you Lapis the willing-to-possibly-answer-a-majority-of-my-questions. [ His smile widens, just a hint. ]

Might as well address the elephants, [ he continues, leading off towards the waterfall at a meandering pace. ] How long have they been following you around? Have you dealt with spirits all your life?

[ There's a soft sound - almost a laugh, but not quite - as she follows alongside him to the waterfall, the corner of her lips quirking up for a moment. But getting right to it then... Her answer comes out easily, not really seeing much point in hiding anything from him. ]

Let's see... One of them has been with me since I was a child, and the rest I met later on. So it's a range of years, but I've always had one of them with me. [ So she may have a bunch of overprotective ghosts trailing after her, but it's fine. ]

And yes, I have. For as long as I can remember, I've been able to communicate with them and see them. According to my sister, I had a lot of "imaginary friends" when I was young.

[ Said complete with air quotes. Then she pauses, before glancing over at him once more. ]

Though I've rarely seen them react to someone like that before.

[ Kaito tugs his scarf up a few inches, then snickers as it drops back down. Come to think of it, he's decked in all black, including some snug leather gloves. Shouldn't he be dying of heat exhaustion right now? ]

Ah, yes. The imaginary friends angle. I got that a lot from the 'normal' kids.

[ It's his turn to flash the air quotes, and he smirks while doing so. Golds meet once again, and he slows his pace to a halt to address her comment. Not with words, though. Instead, grips at his jacket, right over his heart—and in a seamless motion, retrieves a glowing blue hyacinth seemingly wrought of seaglass.

The surrounding Oni snap to attention and face Kaito in near-unison. Perhaps the ghosts might begin to jostle about again? ]

Back home, there's a goddess who 'blessed' my soul. And by bless, I mean hex it so that any spiritual being in some ten mile radius can detect and want to devour it...

Long story short? I attract a lot of attention, and I can't mask my presence. Had to learn the hard way that I'd never truly be safe on the streets again. [ He shrugs before dropping the bloom—his Artifact—and letting it dissolve into motes of light. ]

Apologies to your companions, by the way. If I could turn this off, I would.

[ Yeah, that's actually... a bit concerning? While Lapis doesn't mind the heat herself, even just looking at him makes her feel like she's getting heat stroke. Maybe it's related to what she can sense from him... That, or he's somehow immune to the heat because how is he not fainting otherwise.

And that softly amused sound leaves her in another short huff once more, before blinking as he comes to a halt, stopping alongside him. Watching him for a moment, gaze attentive as he pulls out the flower - which she assumes is this Artifact thing she's heard about but -

- She has little time to dwell on that, considering how her friends quickly become agitated once more in response - her shadow swelling and flickering, warped whispers emerging from it before it soon settles. And once he explains what, exactly, is wrong it all makes much more sense. It's also something she's never heard of before, though she's never had the chance to meet a deity and she's not too keen on the idea either way.]

It's alright, since they're attached to me I can calm them down. Besides, it's nothing you have to apologise for.

[ Since she very much doubts he asked for this to happen. It sounds awful... ]

I suppose that's what I was sensing from you as well... [ Her words trail off into a thoughtful silence, arms folding over her chest as she mulls over this reveal. ]

... It's not much, but if I'm nearby I can do my best to deter anyone, or anything, that gets too aggressive.

...Yeah, probably. I'm hard to miss, for better or worse.

[ Kaito dusts his hands off and flashes a smile, resuming his trek towards the falls. ] We've only just met, and you're already offering bodyguard services? Heh.

I mean, I wouldn't mind, but only if you take something in return. It'd be nice to not have to constantly fend for myself, even if the break only lasts a few hours.

[ Before long, they've rounded behind the waterfall and are face to mouth with the cave's entrance. it's almost pitch-black inside, but the blue oni standing guard eagerly ushers the pair in...

And the doors almost immediately slam shut, leaving them sightless for a spell. ]

Well, that's rather polite... [ Kaito mutters, lifting his right hand and conjuring a glowing sphere of nebulous blue-gray energy to act as an impromptu light source. It proves unnecessary when the stone surfaces of the cave begin to illuminate; dimly at first, yet it quickly gains brightness. ]

Oh. I suppose that means our 'bond' is sufficient enough to undertake the challenge, if I remember the instructions...

If I wanted something in return, I would have said. [ Sure, they may have just met, but she's always been a firm believer in helping where she can. And if she can at least alleviate this... constant worry of being hounded, then she'll do just that. ]

I just wish I could do something more to help. My job back home involved dealing with aggressive spirits and other beings, but I've never seen someone hexed by a goddess before.

[ And she currently lacks the resources or connections to investigate further... Well, no point worrying about it at the moment. Especially when they apparently get trapped in darkness once they step into the cave; her vision adjusts quickly to the lack of light, a glowing pair of eyes squinting for a moment before blinking rapidly at the appearance of light sources. While she can see well in the dark, being stuck in it doesn't sound appealing. ]

Then we'll be able to see some instructions on the wall, right... [ Her words trail off as said instructions do appear, and for a good few moments she wonders if she's reading it right.

"Make your partner submit."

A few more blinks confirms that, yes, that is exactly what it says. ]

... What?

[ Her job description piques so much interest with how similar it sounds to his, but he knows that they'll have to wait to further sate their curiosities. The trial must go on. ]

...

[ Kaito had followed her gaze to the glowing characters. Slowly, he pans back and forth between the wall and his trial companion—whose state of dress he is now acutely aware of... ]

Are we being fucked with? Are they fucking with us? What do they mean by that? Are they aware of how vague that instruction is???

[ Incredulity raises the pitch of the empath's voice by a hair. This is almost as bad as the last one...

Slowly, he turns once more to Lapis. ]

Well. What do we do?

[ Lapis, at the very least, seems mostly undisturbed by this - even if how Kaito glances between the wall and herself also makes her very aware of how little she's wearing now. But no, totally calm and collected.

Okay, so she might be pointedly glancing away from both him and the wall. But this is fine, this is totally fine. She's only just a little lowkey embarrassed!

Oh wait he's asking her something - ]

Oh. Well. [ There's an awkward shift on her heels, before she clears her throat and glances back at the empath once more. ]

Well, there's a few ways to make someone submit, right? Like a game or a fight or... [ She trails off with a vague gesture of her hands, she's trying to avoid saying what this instruction is probably implying!! ]

—Or get them to bottom for you. It's okay. We're both adults here. Presumably.

[ Despite his outburst earlier, he's actually quite unfazed by the implied nature of their task. Chalk it up to being raised around more yokai than humans. His moral compass and sensibilities are slightly biased. ]

You might think this weird, but I've been made to do worse things with a stranger. And since the oni don't mean us any real harm, I'm pretty sure this can be boiled down to something innocuous.

[ Kaito scratches his head, looking to the message one more time before focusing back on Lapis.

...On her eyes. ]

Well, we shouldn't stall for too long. They didn't mention a time limit, but I don't quite care for being locked in a cave all day and night. What would you be most comfortable trying out, Lapis?

'Presumably'... Despite how I look, I am in my twenties.

[ But she's also just... awkward with this kind of thing. Going from little contact with people to sudden horny land is a bit of a leap, and it really doesn't help the last person who showed interest in her also pointed a gun at her. ]

No, I don't find it weird. It's just... [ She is insanely out of her depth, and it's not a feeling she's familiar with. ]

... I wouldn't be uncomfortable with the idea. It's just if it is meant in a certain way, I'll have little idea of what I'm doing. [ A pause, and then her eyes squint a her companion once more. ]

But what about you? I doubt you're wearing all that in this heat because you enjoy it. [ It basically radiates "do not touch me" vibes. ]

That's good. You can never be too sure. [ He'll be omitting his own projected age from this conversation.

Kaito watches patiently as she deliberates, soaking in the various emotions that follow her thoughts. Hmm.

In the end, he shrugs and smiles. ]

I wouldn't mind. I mean, I definitely wouldn't be making fun of you for a lack of experience. But I'm getting the vibe that this really isn't your forte. We can try something else, yeah? I'll leave the decision to you.

[ When she directs her attention to his clothes, he just chuckles. ] It's a long story. To boil it down... I absorb emotions, and direct touch amplifies that. It's uncomfortable. But... adrenaline spikes will tone those powers down.

[ He gestures vaguely when talking about the adrenaline spikes, but it doesn't take an empath to put together what associated activities he's implying with that. ]

[ She notes the lack of discussing his age, but she won't press.

Rather she mulls over his words once more; sighing softly as she folds her arms over her chest, eyes drifting to the side as she thinks. Which is the issue, she's thinking too much and worrying about embarrassing herself. ]

People in general aren't my forte. But I don't want that to stop me from experiencing new things.

[ But his explanation makes sense, and she realises that he was... probably able to sense everything that was coming from her. Which is a little embarrassing, though she does her best to stifle it before it can become more than that. And yeah, she can very much pick up on what he means by adrenaline spike.

Rather, it does bring something to mind. ]

Hmm... I'm not sure if it'll help, but I've been trained to block outside presences. So maybe that might dampen it a bit?

[ Granted, it was to stop ghosts and all the other things she's dealing with from getting grabby with her mind and body, so she's not sure how it would work with an empath. ]

...Hm. We're similar in that regard. People are difficult for me to be around due to the nature of my powers, but I don't want to live my life as a hermit. It's a little too lonely for me.

[ He's very much in tune with his empathy, but Kaito makes no motion to suggest he's caught onto that pang of embarrassment. His powers are invasive enough.

When she makes her suggestion, he has to pause for a moment before smiling and loosing a pleased, airy laugh. ]

The more I listen to you, the more you strike me as a good person.

[ Humming a low note, he takes a few steps closer... Which runs counter to the idea of 'don't touch me'. ]

I appreciate your offer, and I'd like to talk about it more after this. As it stands—and not to be arrogant—I don't think there's much to be done about influencing my empathic abilities. I've tried many things in the past.

[ One more step plants him firmly on the ground about a foot in front of Lapis. His warm smile lingers, and he offers one gloved hand. ]

Don't overthink this. Listen to the first desire that springs to mind, and I'll help you act on it.

Just try not to break my back if you opt to interpret submission as literal pinning...

[ He stage-whispers that last bit, winking. ]

[ There's simply a hum in agreement with that, since she did end up going that far at some point. At least things are getting better, so she doesn't let herself dwell on it.

Though hearing him call her a good person prompts a owlish blink, canting her head in a silent question. She never really thought much about if she's a good person or not, so long as she can help... But she won't argue with his words either. Especially since he's closing the distance between them now, listening attentively once more and nodding with a faint smile. ]

It's not arrogant at all. You know your powers best, and I have very little idea of how anything I do will affect them.

[ And her barriers were more to keep anything from getting in, rather than letting anything out. Besides, like he said, it's something they can talk about later.

For now, she doesn't let herself dwell or mull over things - her smile brightening softly when offers a hand, nodding as her hand reaches for his. The first desire that comes to mind, then... Maybe best to start of small, and at the moment she decides she wants to be closer to him.

And so she closes the last bit of distance between them, her brows raising and lips quirking up a little at that whisper; that teasing lilt to her voice returning once more, her free hand resting against her chest as though she's so very insulted by the implication. ]

Oh, do I really seem like such a brute to you?

[ Gloved fingers wrap around her own, grasping firm and gentle all the same. A pang of discomfort blooms in the back of his head, which he ignores. ]

Heh. No, you most certainly do not. I simply don't take appearances for granted. Women smaller than you have thrown me off buildings in the past.

[ Snickering, he changes his grip, lacing their fingers together. Golds peer around the cave before returning to Lapis. ]

...I've only been here for a few days, y'know. Everything's been a blur since I arrived. Deer almost ate my clothes, kids abducted me to watch fireworks, I arm wrestled twelve oni in a row, I learned how to manifest my soul as a trinket...

And now I'm here. Holding hands with a very pleasant stranger and her myriad companion spirits. I've seen some weird stuff back home, but I don't know if any of my stories will hold a candle to all of this. Have your experiences been just as eventful?

I certainly wouldn't throw you off a building, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeves.

[ And she very much abuses the fact people underestimate her, even if it does at times chafe at her pride just a little.

And there's a gentle squeeze of her fingers around his hand as he laces them together, watching him curiously for a moment. Then she hums, nodding with a faint smile. ]

I lacked the excitement of arm-wrestling oni or getting kidnapped. Though I did have a congregation of little spirits follow me, and met someone who had shrunk and I then carried him around in his bag. This place certainly tops some of the stuff I've seen back home, but...

[ Her words trail off as her breath leaves her in a soft huff, her free hand absently fidgeting with a stray strand of hair. ]

Sorry, this will be rather...cheesy, I suppose. But despite all the weirdness, I do appreciate getting to meet the people here. While holding hands with someone I just met wasn't anything I expected, it's still an encounter I'm glad for all the same.

I wonder if those spirits looked like white cloths with legs. I was followed by a congregation of those on my first day.

[ It's Kaito's turn to watch her again, the upbeat notes that bleed out of her aura fill his heart with a lightness that, while not being his, still broadens his smile.

He shuffles in a liiiiiiittle closer and chuckles. ]

I haven't told anyone this, so consider yourself lucky. Or unlucky.

—I feel terribly lonely here. I've left my little brother and my son—my cat—behind, and most of my days so far have actually been fairly miserable outside of a few encounters with other refugees.

[ Soft golds flick her way, and he squeezes her hand again. ]

I'm normally not the type of person who'd just hold a stranger's hand, even if we hit it off. But... thanks for taking mine. It makes the burden a little lighter. And for that, I'm just as glad as you.

That they did. It was very cute, but I got more than a few concerned looks.

[ And her own eyes drift back to Kaito as he shuffles in closer, focused and attentive to his words once more. And while it is saddening, to know he feels this way - ]

I say I'll be considering myself lucky. I'm glad you felt... well, comfortable enough telling me. And I can understand, I had to leave my older sister behind as well and I miss her terribly...

[ But it's not a feeling she let's herself dwell on - as long as she's safe, that's all that matters.

And despite herself, she can't hide how her smile brightens at his words; it's nice, to know she can do that much for someone. It's more than nice, really.

So with that, she decides to try bridging the remaining distance; it's tentative at first though, her shoulder just brushing against his own. Quietly gauging his comfort. ]

And if I can do anything more to help with that burden, let me know. I may only have my company and a few awkward words to offer, but I'll do my best.

I learned about them later. Little ayakashi that gather around lonely and sad people. No wonder you'd get concerned looks, right?

[ As it tends to be with people, their emotions are infectious. When her smile brightens, so does his. When she tests the waters, he hums a note of approval despite the ringing in his head and even shifts closer so that their arms are pressed together.

She's on the taller side compared to girls he knows, so hopefully the height difference at this distance isn't too troublesome. ]

That makes two of us. Even if our families are suspended in time and technically not in any danger, that doesn't stop me from being worried sick about them. If I can do anything to fight off your pangs of loneliness... Well, here I am.

After all, we're friends now. 'Bonded', by the locals' standards.

[ Kaito teases a wink at that last suggestion, and the dim light of the cavern seems to reflect in his gaze.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is comfy. ]

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

So count me among that number.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one should.

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

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

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

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

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