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

Reasonable conclusion to come to, yeah...

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

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

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

Mm, well you've already convinced me to undress.

[Though he seems to be angling for her to make a concrete decision. Was she too fussy while attending to him? Yes, she could see how that could be the case.]

I have.

[ Self-awareness is a good thing when it comes to reflection. Kaito gestures towards her, then the ground. ]

Lay on your back, then. Let's see about paying you back for earlier.

[ Kaito's Kaitone is ambiguous enough so as not to betray intent, and he keeps his expression neutral... He takes a step forward, tugging at his gloves. Is this going to be reciprocation or revenge?

Maybe he's just being intentionally dramatic. ]

[O-oh. The glove bit startles her. Reminds her a little of Hubert when he's trying to be threatening.

With no more than a nod, Edelgard obliges his request. Though she's not sure if gloves will be particularly pleasurable? Maybe he intends to make her suffer a bit first.]

...Good. Now, no resisting.

[ Uh oh. The shut-eyed smile that follows Edelgard's compliance is rife with mischief. Or killer intent. Interpretation's up for debate!

Kaito slinks over, then proceeds to casually crouch and place gloved hands on her thighs. Golds crack open to stare as he slowly but firmly pulls apart to spread her legs a bit wider. If he feels any struggle, he'll immediately amplify his own force in assertion.

Once there's more space, he drops down to his knees—and then lies prone on his stomach. His hands shift to lift Edelgard's legs, and a combination of pulling her close and scooting in results in them hanging over his shoulders with his head between her inner thighs and hovering just a few inches from her slit. He peeks up, then perks up. ]

—I can't take my gloves off for particular reasons, and I don't think you'd enjoy leather being shoved inside you very much, so we'll have to... compromise.

[ 'Compromise' is punctuated by him biting down harshly on her inner thigh, then placing his lips over the spot and sucking hard. Is it a near-exact mirror of where she left her initial mark on him? Yes. It is. ]

[At Kaito's bite a startled yelp leaps from Edelgard and fills the cavern. After that jolt, she's quick to hold a hand over her mouth. Eyes wincing shut she prepares herself for what may come next. Truly, the bite didn't hurt more than a blade or scalpel, but it's such a sensitive area that she was caught off guard all the same.

Yes, she must have upset him. It's fine. Such a punishment as this isn't really worth getting upset over. Her free hand finds his hair, but instead of grabbing a fistful, she simply drags her nails gently along his scalp.]

[ Upset or not, Kaito latches onto that sharp noise—though when her hand settles over his scalp, he nearly jumps from the contact. A few shocks ripple down his spine, but he realizes that she's just scratching along his scalp and that the emotions bleeding off her aura aren't repulsed or hostile.

That's a sign to keep going. Mixing it up, intersperses soft kisses and dragos of his tongue between the irregularly paced bites. Frequent swapping from one thigh to another and the unpredictable pace is meant to keep Edelgard on edge, but after marking her three (or four (maybe five)) more times, he pulls her closer until his mouth is settled right over her crotch.

There's a brief pause during which he glances up (and maybe, just maybe nuzzles his head into her hand), but he eventually cracks a smirk and disappears again. The sensation that follows is hot and wet—Kaito lays his tongue flat over her labia, taking his sweet time to drag all the way up. He's able to find her clit rather quickly despite the lack of light, and lips close in around the sensitive nub before suckling. ]

[What a little brat. She'll have to return the 'favor' some time. With each following bite her frustration rises, but the stinging sharpness of teeth is replaced with something softer. By the time he's dragging his tongue along her slit Edelgard is having trouble keeping up.

A hiss of inhaled air that would have been a sharp gasp echoes in the cavern, and she's sure if she had not still been holding her hand over her mouth that Edelgard would have let out a sound most obscene. The stimulation is very direct, and sudden. Perhaps too direct for some. However since Edelgard finds pleasuring herself a struggle, perhaps the directness is needed.

Her hand finally curls into a fist, grabbing his hair. Powerful thighs try squeezing around his face. Yet they relax after a moment. Well, relax may be a terrible word. Edelgard is all over tense, but she tries her best not to squirm or shift to reveal how much her body has begun to ache for this attention.]

[ She should say that out loud and see what happens.

His ministrations are interrupted by a soft groan against her lips when she grabs his hair. A hint of surprise shows in how he quickly clutches at her thighs when they squeeze around his head, but she 'relaxes' and he takes a moment to catch his breath before diving back in.

If she's intent on concealing her desire, then he's happy to test her willpower. Another long, languid lick is immediately followed by a stinging bite just inches away from her slit. He doesn't take the time to leave a mark, rather opting to dive right in and smother his lips over hers. The tongue that had been teasing now pushes through, teasing her entrance for a few seconds... and a few seconds more... and just another moment longer.

Brat.

By the time he figures she's fed up with his teasing, Kaito shoves his tongue as far inside as he can muster and swirls it about her inner walls. Lewd sucking and kissing noises begin to fill the air... ]

[It's too much. All the sounds make her ears burn red, and she cannot take it. It's too much, she wants this to be over with. So her hand flies off her mouth to help prop her up into a sitting position. Edelgard's expression twists into a severe frown as she uses her hold on his hair to make him look up at her.]

Just finish it.

[If she even can finish... She's not be able to do it herself. The feel of her own callouses and scars upset her so much she can't manage to climax when touching herself. Not only that, but all the stress back in Fodlan made it too terribly difficult to relax.]

[ Ow. Kaito less looks up and is more forced to look up as she yanks at his hair. Rather than respond, he takes a few moments to study Edelgard's expression and emotions. His own lips contort, though his frown is much more thoughtful than upset. ]

...Hm.

Okay.

[ He has a few questions, but in the end Kaito simply reaches up and gently pulls her hand away from his hair before lowering himself. Lips meet once again as his tongue delves into her snatch, and he wastes no time in having that muscle probe her upper walls in search for Edelgard's g-spot. He's much quieter this time, and there isn't nearly as much noise coming from his ministrations.

A snap of his hands manifests a ghostly white and blue hand made from his aura. The glowing limb floats on down and settles over her crotch. Two (perhaps surprisingly) warm digits drag along her skin before pressing down on her clit to rub away at a very quick pace. ]

[At first she watches him. Cold, and harsh like she's inspecting his work. However there's confusion and a twinge of worry when that blue manifests. Edelgard watches, her hands behind her to keep her propped into a sitting position. That doesn't last long.

Almost immediately after those two disembodied fingers work at that small nub, Edelgard throws her head back while crying out in pleasure. It's not long before she lets herself lie back down against the cavern floor again — holding a hand against her mouth and thinking nothing of her legs trying to squeeze around his head again.

She certainly brought this on herself, but she couldn't have expected such intensity. Even so, it'd be a lie to say she hates it. Honestly, without concern for her normal responsibilities, and none of this pleasure coming from her own hands... It's a lot, but it might just been enough to get her off for the first time ever. Gradually she can feel her muscles become tense. Like a metal spring coiling much too tight. Edelgard is excited for, and scared, what actually climaxing might feel like.]

[ Ooh, that's a good noise. The pressure of her thighs squeezing once more also serves as reinforcement that he's hit a good spot. Or two good spots.

Either way, he has no intention of stopping. He didn't earlier, but now he's hellbent on getting Edelgard to cum. And maybe spite is at least partially to blame for his motivation, but y'know.

Whatever works!

Once he's got a good feel for where her spot is, Kaito gives it one last prod with his tongue before pulling away entirely. His Magic Hand™ also withdraws, but the reprieve is short-lived. It becomes apparent that they had only stopped to switch places, as soon two fingers plunge themselves deep inside while his tongue takes over lavishing her clit with attention. While those ghostly digits curl up and begin digging up hard to massage her g-spot, he alternates light flicks of his tongue with long, heavy licks.

Along the way Kaito feels himself growing hard again, but the throb below his waist can be ignored for now. He needs to get her off so that they can complete their challenge (and before she crushes his head like a watermelon, which admittedly wouldn't be the worst way to go). ]

[Why? Why did he stop? Edelgard panics for a moment when he pulls away. As if thinking he'll just sit up and mock her, but relief washes over her when he returns. Relief is replaced quickly with a spike of pleasure rocketing her back to the precipice she was at before he decided to switch things up.

Kaito has her writhing. Those strong legs close in on him again, and she finds herself comforted by the fact that if he tries to pull away again she can stop him unless he truly protests. Meanwhile her back begins to arch like a bow being strung taught. Her middle gradually lifting up off the cavern floor. Most notably are the noises she tries to stifle. Pleasure whines and moans all die in her throat as she determinedly keeps her mouth covered. Even so, what noise does make it to an audible stage echoes softly in their little shared prison.

It's not long before she truly reaches her peak. Just before Edelgard hits that release her legs squeeze Kaito's face tighter than ever, and when she does tip over the edge he'll find himself with a bit more freedom. Edelgard falls apart before him; coming undone with muscle convulsions, a strangled cry of pleasure, and her hips bucking up into his mouth until the crashing waves of her orgasm fade away.

Words truly escape her when it comes to this. Stars dot her vision before it turns completely white — only to dissolve and become starry again. All strength seems to be sapped from her body as she feels residual throbbing both in her core where those phantom digits were stimulating her, and against his lips where her clit is.

Honestly, truly, she is grateful for the dark. Because when her eyes blink open she can feel the wetness on her lashes and welling at the corners of her eyes. To reach that level of release, after so much stress and pain and loneliness, it was too much. Her hand falls away from her mouth as she struggles with her breath; heavy panting taking precedence over any other sound in the cave.]

[ He's this close to teasing her over that reaction to him pulling away. Maybe another time, if the opportunity ever comes after they get out of this godforsaken cave. Hasn't he tested his luck enough?

As Edelgard's composure deteriorates and her movements become more frantic, Kaito dutifully continues apace, not once ceasing his ministrations (especially not when she squeezes so tightly around his head). When she finally unravels, he makes sure to pull her in as she bucks into his face, ensuring maximum contact while she contorts and spasms.

In the moment, time slips away from him. Kaito's not sure if her orgasm lasts a minute or five, but he's content to continue gently licking and pumping away even after her strength seeps out and her body goes limp. Only when the sound of her breathing alone fills the air does he cease, planting light kisses onto her clit and along and around her nether lips.

That he doesn't remove himself from between her legs may be telling of a certain fondness of her afterglow, but Kaito would rather shift to tending to old bruises than out himself. So, until she regains her composure and pries him off, he's just going to keep busy kissing and licking around her inner thighs... ]

[She's already oversensitive and here he is peppering her skin with continued affection. Why is he doing that? Isn't displeased with her? Maybe he knows it's too much, and that's why. Edelgard dries her eyes and sits up to scoot away from him. She actually starts reaching for her clothes — concerned that at any minute now the mouth of the cave will open up.]

That — that should do it, right?

[ Whoops—that was probably too much. When she draws away, Kaito pulls himself into a cross-legged seated position. Eyes dart between her and the writing on the wall. ]

I dunno. Did you enjoy yourself? If—

[ A loud rumbling interrupts the empath as light begins to flood the cavern from the outside. Indeed, that's the doors beginning to slide open.

Kaito's eyes go wide—and in an instant, his body becomes a mass of clear water that surges towards his clothes. A few moments pass as the fabrics seem to come to life, though in truth that's just the water grabbing each article and arranging them in mid-air in roughly the right position if Kaito was wearing them.

That's an image.

After a few seconds of being suspended, Kaito's body reforms. Luckily, nothing was thrown on backwards. He dusts himself off before glancing Edelgard's way—and quickly turning around, now that he can clearly see her. ]

Sorry!

[Well that certainly was A Sight. Edelgard's not sure if she could put her confusion to words, but it doesn't matter. Fresh air is reaching her lungs, and light is touching her skin. That's enough to make the underlying anxiety in her die way bit by bit. She'll begin reaching for her own clothes and dressing herself. It won't be as speedy as he was able to be.

When she speaks it definitely seems like her composure has returned.]

Perhaps you should leave, since you're ready. I can make my way out alone after I'm dressed.

[ Kaito tosses a glance over his shoulder (didn't he turn around for decency's sake just a second ago??) and shakes his head. ]

Nice try, but I'm not just gonna bail now that the lights are on. It'd look bad for the trial's sake, yeah? We walked in holding hands.

...We don't have to walk out holding hands, but I don't want to leave you on your own.

[By the time he glances she'll have already slipped on her gloves, and started pulling her underwear back on. It won't be too much longer before she's fully dressed and standing at his side.]

Very well, if that's what you'd like.

[She'll offer a hand just in case it is what he wants.]

[ Kaito grasps the proffered hand, closing his eyes at the pulse of discomfort that follows. This time, he takes the first steps to exit the cave as an oni attendant peeks their head in. ]

—I don't know how things work where you're from, but I'm pretty sure I could classify that as a fairly outlandish encounter back home...

No, I agree completely. Where I am from is incredibly prude in comparison. But it seems like such bizarre happenings are a regular occurrence here. When I first arrived I heard of plant pollen causing people to act as if they were animals in heat.

[At the very least they're both wearing gloves, and when they exit the cave and step out from area entirely she loosens her grip to see if he'll take his own hand back.]

...What? Heat???

[ His expression immediately sours. What is this, some kind of hentai plot? After a moment Kaito sighs and shrugs, opting to let go of her hand when she relaxes her grip. ]

I... see. My homeland's also pretty conservative when it comes to sex. But, uh. I grew up in an unconventional community, so I guess my personal values are a bit skewed compared to the average citizen.

Is that right? I suppose something similar could be said for me, but in regards to relationships. I was an emperor, and as such we were expected to take more than one lover in hopes that an heir with a certain bloodline trait would be conceived.

[And while she has started the upheaval process to nullify that, she honestly is not sure if she'd consider herself one who leans towards monogamy or not.]

Not that I intend to take consorts here, but I suppose it does set me apart in some respects.

Royalty, huh... That's neat. Must be a lot of stress, having all that responsibility back home. [ That answers a few questions. He's starting to get a better picture of her. ]

Everyone I've met is pretty unique... But the fact that we've all been ripped from our homes also acts as an equalizer, in a way. Everyone's got their history and quirks and abilities, but here on Gaia we're basically the same. Just trying to get by while our worlds are stuck in stasis.

June | Event: Trial of the Soul

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