June | Event: Trial of the Soul

[jikan_mod]

Trial of the Soul↲ OOC Plotting

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

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

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

A Tales of Two Clans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revolutionary Bond Kizuna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot and Steamy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Comments

[mistsplitter]

[ They don't have to talk about what happened. They can just focus on the good things.

Besides, Cloud doesn't have to know that that was the most embarrassing thing that's happened to her! ]

It was. We both got to do something new.

[ For now, though? As they head back to where they came, perhaps it's best to leave that memory behind and move on. ]

The changing rooms are right past this area, I believe.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Well, at least if he ever does figure out that's the most embarrassing thing to happen to her, they may find solace in knowing that it was just his eyes on her. ...he scared the other Oni away earlier. kfjhads ]

Kinda wanna do it again later.

[ "Later" could mean after the springs? Tomorrow? Or finding Ping Pong back home. But right now, he's more content, if not eager, to press on when they were evidently so close. When Ayaka points out that the changing rooms were literally right down the hall from this lounging space? He gives her hand a light squeeze with a short laugh in his words. ]

Got stopped right before the finish line.

[ The "stop" being Table Tennis. He thinks he succeeded in getting to take on Ayaka instead of the Shirasagi Himegimi at the end. In the end? Totally worth it. Of course, on the resort there are three different changing rooms. Men, Women and 'Family'. Though the last one wasn't applicable at this time. It was adult hours from this late on. ]

Seeya on the other side?

[mistsplitter]

Right.

[ They'll need to undress in the changing rooms. Ayaka's never gone to the hot springs before, but she at least knows how it goes. She hopes Cloud does, too.

Ayaka nods before she lets go of Cloud's hand, a sign that they should get moving. The hot springs are calling! While her heart may not hurt anymore, she's still breathing a little heavier than usual. The healing waters of the spring may help with what she's feeling.

Once in the changing rooms, she's quick to wrap a towel around her once her clothes have been placed in one of the empty baskets. She believes they'll be in a mixed bath, so she'll need to look for Cloud straight away so they can find a secluded corner together. She would prefer not to socialise. 😔 ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ This would be Cloud's first time in a hot spring himself! But it's easy enough to follow the rules. It's like a hot tub, right? You sit down, and...okay maybe not shut up, but have a relaxing time. While more durable than his girlfriend, the trials and long journey up the mountain before they confronted the Trial of Love did wear him down. Especially when he hardly gave himself time to rest. Healing Materia could only do so much for someone's spirit before genuine rest and relieving the bones called. And this is why the hot springs were a good idea!

With only a pair of shorts under his robe, Cloud discards both when he thinks he's finally isolated in the changeroom, avoiding either other refugees or Ao and Aka Oni alike once he has a short towel wrapped around his waist.

Funny how they were a stickler for having nipples out, but the hot springs were the one exception in Kyushu. An idle thought he huffs at before stepping out into the open. The hot springs are vast, and he can practically smell the steam even when he wasn't in the water. The waters are hazy, but not unclean. Rich with vitamins and other soothing properties that just beg to have one's toes dipped into. ]

Maybe she went in already...?

[ It's a quieter time of night, so while there are groups and others strewn about in their little spots, Cloud was of the same mind as Ayaka. Luckily, he recognizes her stepping out in nothing but a towel right away. Whether her hair stayed done up or let down, it's hard to miss a girl like her no matter who he was looking for. If she doesn't spot him first? He'll be returning the favor as he quietly closes the distance between them as she steps out of her changeroom.

He'll take her hand then, not tugging her along quite yet, instead only looking down with a more calm look on his face. ]

Least there's plenty of rocks.

[ Many they can occupy for themselves! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka's tied her hair up this time! She doesn't want it to get wet while she takes a dip in the hot springs, so she needed to have it up.

When Cloud finds her and takes her hand, there's an immediate smile on her face. She didn't feel lost or anything, but there's a full sense of safety and security like this. Being with Cloud feels right. And after being away from him for so long (Ayaka, it's only been a few days), she wants to be next to him as much as possible. ]

Let's go over there.

[ Gesturing to a spot a bit far from where they are, Cloud will see that despite the steam hindering the view that there aren't that many people by that area. It should be a good place for them to relax! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ It's contagious- her smile beckoning a little one of his own when she gestures out to a spot they can circle around before hopping in. He nods, squeezing her hand in affirmation as they get a move on. ]

Good eye.

[ The closer they get, the clearer the view is through the steam. Even with his honed eyesight, it was hard to make anything out earlier. And just as luck would have it? A burly pair of Oni could be seen wading away from the area, sparing a glance at the young human couple with little nods. Huh...they never really acknowledged them before. But Cloud only holds her hand tighter in response, idly nodding back from the edge of the spring as he gets ready to step in. When all of a sudden—

"Whoa, little man! What do you think you're doing?"

Cloud only gets as far as dipping his foot before he lifts it right back out, turning back to the duo of Aka Oni with a puzzled look, brows furrowed. He was just about to go first and then help Ayaka in after. ]

Getting...in?

[ "You don't know the first thing about onsens, do you? No towels in the water!"

"It says right in the changerooms."

And that? Would explain why their towels were slung dry over their shoulders. And that would mean that underneath the water they were completely— A-Ah shit. Cloud's face is trying to match the Oni in color despite his best poker face. Yet he can't tell if they were messing with them or not. He took a rinse to clean himself before stepping out! But that step? He must have overlooked it or just assumed for the sake of modesty. But it wasn't like people were just walking around buck naked out of the water, either. Turning to Ayaka, he recomposes himself while the pair of Oni seem content that he knows the rules by now, continuing their leave of the hot springs.

Assuming the little Miss was more tuned in than her husband was. ]

Well, we've adjusted to everything else so far.

[ Cloud's going to find out this is a thing at most hot springs someday. Not just here. jashkdl ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Well, it's not news to Ayaka. Perhaps she should have stopped Cloud... but at least the oni had it covered! ]

If it's just the two of us, it would be okay.

[ Well... it would be okay with other girls, too! Just awkward with other men around. ]

You're supposed to fold your towel and place it on your head when you're in the water.

[sultanofsquat]

Yup.

[ It'd be different if he were here with guys only! But any reluctance is swept under the rug knowing that he's doing this with the person closest to him. The atmosphere here was different, and it's beginning to settle in with Cloud right quick. So hopefully he can get over his shyness just like he did when strapping up with...well, literal leather straps. ]

Everyday, something new.

[ Without making a big fanfare over it, he'll give a tug on the front of his towel, letting it fall free as he slides into the water, slinging the fabric over his shoulder for now. The water's not so deep here, but just enough that he's modestly covered when standing upright. Just beneath the point of stinging as his skin tingled on contact at first. Sparing a glance back up to Ayaka, there's no one here in this spot that he can tell, so he waits should she like his hand to help her in the water more gracefully. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka's back is facing the people and oni they've passed, so she doesn't feel too conscious. But she does take a deep breath before she loosen the towel wrapped around her. She takes Cloud's hand with one hand as she dips her foot into the water. Her slow descent into the spring is accompanied by her pulling the towel off her completely.

By the time her body is in the water, she's placed the towel over her head, haphazardly folding it with one hand on her way down. ]

Oh, this is very calming.

[ Just an observation! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud was more intent on tending to Ayaka's descent when she pulls the towel away, not letting go while she settles down in the water. Oh! So that's what she meant by folding it on her head. He'll take care of that after they've settled. If he sinks into the water now, he'll just get his towel wet with it over his shoulder. He feels a lot more comfortable now that the two of them actually made it, the distant chatter of other patrons a backdrop to the calming swish of water around their waists. ]

Yeah...

[ And it'll probably get better once they're seated! With a light tug of her hand, he leads her towards the rock not far from where they got in. There's no one occupying the other side of it, and beneath the water's surface, it's nice and smooth to lean against. Before they can sit down, he lets go of her hand to finally grab his towel, folding it up and plopping it on his spiky head. His hair's surprisingly soft! So it actually flattens a little when he presses the towel down to sit on top.

... it feels weird.

Not embarrassing! But. Weird. ]

Like this?

[mistsplitter]

[ It's a little difficult moving around in the water when it feels so gooey, but since she's holding Cloud's hand, she lets herself get pulled along. It helps! Once they've in a nice spot, she lets herself drop down into the water to soak a little before coming back out.

Just in time for Cloud to have folded the towel over his head. Haha! He looks very different! ]

You seem like a different person like this.

[ Only because she's not used to his hair. Not a bad thing! She'll just have to get used to this. ]

So long as the towel does not touch the water, then it should be okay.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He thought it would feel weirder to be in here, but to him? It feels more like...very thick water. It's not like squishing their way through jelly jam or something. But he does feel the resistance. Following her lead after she drops down, he actually does a rather impressive job keeping his eyes on hers when the thick water rolls off her upon coming up. ]

Without my spiky head?

[ She's seen him fresh out of the shower before; his hair was a droopy mess before it got restyled. ]

Good stuff.

[ The water's not so deep where they can rest by the rock, but Ayaka's also short enough that her chest should be comfortably concealed when they do finally take a seat. Slowly sinking down, he lets out a softer, deeper sigh as he feels a content rumble in his throat. This was a first for him. ...both the gooey consistency and the soothing properties of the spring. There's not a single scar on his body, even where there should be one where Sephiroth impaled him, but he can feel aches fading that he didn't even think were there. ]

I've only ever seen a Mako spring before this.

[mistsplitter]

Was it anything like this?

[ Perhaps a general question, but the consistency, and its healing properties.

She wonders, was Mako like water, then? He'd said before it was energy, which water is! But was it also safe to bathe in, like this? ]

[sultanofsquat]

Definitely nowhere near as safe. Mako's the Lifestream in liquid form. [ The very same Lifestream that Shinra drew up from the Planet and manufactured into usable Mako, like he told her before. ] Too much direct exposure and you can get poisoned...or worse. That's why the reactors were built to safely resource it.

[ A finite resource. The Planet's lifeforce. But...now that he's explained why it's definitely not safe to bathe in, he continues, ]

Mako Springs are natural, but rare to find. Even rarer to see Materia in its natural state there. [ But it's not all danger! ] Materia's about the only safe kinda Mako to touch. That's why I wasn't worried about showing you mine.

[ He sighs through his nose after saying that, wiggling his feet through the thicker water as he sits. ]

Least they're pretty to look at.

[ ... the Mako Spring, he means. But Materia, too. ]

[mistsplitter]

Does materia normally look different, then?

[ Her exposure to materia had been very little, but she remembers how it looks like. It was a ball! A very shiny one, at that.

Ayaka couldn't make what the details were before when Cloud showed her his materia, but that's okay. It was still very pretty! ]

[sultanofsquat]

Sometimes. But most come out smooth and round like what I've got. Like how pearls tend to turn out perfect.

[ He lifts a hand out of the thick water, the gooier substance rolling through his fingers and down the sides of his palm, mimicking holding one of those orbs in his hand. ]

The most common colors are green and blue. Blue ones have the ability to link up with other kinds to enhance their effects. That's why you've usually seen the two paired up on my sword.

Then there's purple, yellow, red...

[ Red he's gone over when he told her about Summons. ]

[mistsplitter]

How common are they?

[ She imagines materia in general must not be common, but if a company is able to make a business out of the energy, then... perhaps it's very common after all? Maybe she doesn't quite get it... ]

If Mako isn't safe to be in, would that mean that it isn't safe to keep using materia?

[sultanofsquat]

In shops? Pretty common if it's types like elemental magic. Others are a little harder to reproduce.

[ The process in developing and making them may be "manufactured", but it's still no different from natural ones at times. ]

Not in the same way. Once it's fully crystallized, it's like it's purified. But depending on how powerful the magic you're trying to use, the more taxing it is on your mind.

[ That being said? He remembers demonstrating Materia for another person from Teyvat! And this train of conversation makes him wonder, ]

I can teach you how to use it.

[mistsplitter]

[ It is interesting, and she would like to try it! And she highly doubts Cloud would teach her how to summon the King of Dragons right away... so it shouldn't be too taxing, right? He says it's not dangerous, so she trusts him. ]

I'd like to try, if it's possible for someone like me to use it.

[ She's not from his version of Gaia, after all! But she'll definitely do her best and listen so she can try it to the best of her ability. ]

[sultanofsquat]

Hah. Already got another gift idea, then.

[ With that? He's gonna slouch in his seat just a little more, sinking deeper into the soothing waters halfway up his chest. There's no dunking your head underwater, but that's fine by him. In fact, he's so relaxed, another sigh looses from his lips. If there's any trace of heat in it, it's masked by his content smile before adding: ]

Best idea, Ayaka.

[mistsplitter]

We shouldn't stay in the water too long. We'll get lightheaded.

[ Oh, but it's so relaxing. :( She says that, but closes her eyes, anyway. She's feeling fine right now, so she doesn't want to go just yet. ]

My chest doesn't hurt so much anymore.

[sultanofsquat]

Just say when. I'm doing alright.

[ His eyes grow heavy too, less out of fatigue and more out of his body's desire to let the soothing nature of these waters envelope him. Heal him. Take away the aches in his muscles and bones. During an earlier run on the Trial of Devotion with Zack, he'd rolled his ankle after combusting Lavahounds sent the two tumbling. The spell kept them safe, but...rolling his ankle after that? Was on him. Casting Curaga after the fact helped, but there was still a sense of tenderness that he ignored.

Something that, as he rolls his ankle beneath the water, has completely evaporated. This really did work! If he stayed in here long enough, he was gonna have enough energy for ten marathons. If there weren't hot springs like this in Tokyo or Kyoto, this may be one of the reasons he comes back. ]

...

[ "My chest doesn't hurt so much anymore." ]

? [ That gets him to open his eyes, bright blues studying her as his gaze trails down to her chest, pensive in his expression. The sight of Ayaka's beautiful smile, her faith and devotion in him ironclad, even as pain clutched her heart and she fell before his very eyes. And he did catch her. How could he do anything less for a girl that gave everything to him?

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

And yet...there's something he wants to do for her, when they get back home. If a Soul Artifact was the manifestation of one's soul, then it only made sense that he filled the void she willingly sacrificed. Even if it was all in gesture. To him, that's what felt right. But for now... ]

You made it. [ She set her heart on something, and saw it through to the end. No matter how much it hurt to see her in such a way. All it did was bolster his drive to protect her. Had they still been just friends, Ayato's words to him would have still rang true. He'd have watched her when he couldn't. But even without his trust, Cloud knew in his core. Cloud would watch her because he wanted to. And after that fateful night beneath the stars, and perhaps even earlier than that...he already made his decision. ] And you've got all of me. Before and after.

[ Cloud would watch her because he's fallen for her. Before and after. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ At first, Ayaka's not sure what Cloud means. It gets her to pause, to think about what she said prior, and to connect that to Cloud's own words. Oh— is he referring to their time at the trial, when he said he didn't want to lose a part of her? Aha...

Her expression softens, and she inches closer to him, only stopping when she realises that they're both naked. It shouldn't be a big deal, but hugging him might be weird because he'd feel her body flush against his.

Once she's close enough, she instead reaches to cup his cheek with her hand. The same way that she'd held him when she wanted to comfort him when he had a nightmare. ]

If only I could kiss you like this. [ After hearing him say something like that... But they're in public, even though they're far away from the other patrons. She'll have to hold back.

Maybe it's the heat driving her to say something like that without showing any signs of embarrassment. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud's gaze broadens a little when he realizes she's inching closer. But it's not even shock or embarrassment; he doesn't dare question what Ayaka was doing. Instead, it's a sudden feeling of...anticipation. Welling up from deep in the pit of his stomach. A familiar sensation that he doesn't dare put a name to. If only for where they are. Her hand cups his cheek then, drawing him to her in the very same way she did that comforting night. How could he forget? Especially when his mind's eye flashes back to that moment in time, her loving eyes solely on him as she dared catch any tears that dare fall.

It was a moment of weakness he never would have wanted anyone to see. And yet...he continued to share with her. He continued to lean into her touch, even now with nothing between them but the viscous spring water they bath in. ]

I'd ask what's stopping you...but, [ They're in public. He knows this too. But judging by the affectionate, half-lidded gaze he returns to her as the bathwater does well in getting its new patrons...relaxed, ] Think I can be patient.

[ He says, yet his hand beneath the water, meant to support him as he leans towards her touch, finds itself brushing her outer thigh. ]

[mistsplitter]

Perhaps we can visit a real hot spring next time.

[ You know, one that wasn't sticky like this... They did talk about travelling together more. It doesn't have to be for more research! She'd want to see what this world has to offer with Cloud because she enjoys his company and finds camaraderie in discovering things together.

A tilt of her head with that sweet smile. She'd pull away if not for what she feels under the water. It's already hot in the bath, but Cloud's touch gets her to shiver, and it suddenly feels hotter in the spring. On a normal day, she'd say something about it, but...

She'll let it be for now. But she does caress his cheek with her thumb one last time before she pulls away. Wouldn't want others to think they're doing something sus! ]