June | Event: Trial of the Soul

[jikan_mod]

Trial of the Soul↲ OOC Plotting

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

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

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

A Tales of Two Clans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revolutionary Bond Kizuna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot and Steamy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[sultanofsquat]

[ If Zack's hand were any lower down his arm, he'd have taken it in his out of his own protective impulse. But until then? Cloud stands his ground alongside his best friend, brow furrowed and eyes hardened for a fight. He's learned to retrieve a Soul Artifact rather smoothly now, so if it comes down to it, he'll summon it. But any sudden movements could spell disaster for them. They're supposed to be protected if they stay in contact with one another. But... ]

...

[ Cloud takes a step forward, making sure to plant his foot as he does so.

Sure enough, the trio of Lavahounds get skittish on their feet, burning bright bellies glowing up in response. If they were hungry? This might have been a completely different story. But now, with two unknown things in their territory but not baking down or retreating? Their bestial instincts kick in and tell them that they should get out of there. The gamble pays off! And it looks like the monsters are about to actually veer off into the woods off the trail... ]

Phew—

[ CRASH!! Barreling through, towering through the trees, a herculean-sized daikabuto causes the ground to tremor as it comes charging across the path. Right behind the Lavahounds. Who are NOT taking being startled very well when they haphazardly charge away in fright. And unfortunately? ]

Shit! [ They're bolting for them. His hand instinctively reaches behind his shoulder for the handle of a Buster Sword that wasn't even there. Right at the same time the beasts' eyes bloat out a burning hot orange and their fiery maws render blindingly bright. It's like time comes to a crawl ATB, a split-second decision to be made as they're trapped in a situation that went from tense to worse in a matter of seconds. He can't even think, eyes snapped wide. And whether Zack had the same idea or not, Cloud's gonna throw his arms around the taller man and blurt out the only thing that made sense. ]

LOOK OUT—!!

[ After that? All he can remember is burning hot flames engulfing them...and yet it didn't hurt at the same time. His ears ringing from being right next to an explosion. His sight fails him. He can't remember where he is or what he's supposed to be doing. But...if he didn't feel any pain, did that mean that he was...?

... .... .....


No. Thankfully, there would be no tragic accident on this Trial of Devotion. The spell has kept the two former SOLDIERs safe and sound.

Well. Up until the point where the shockwave of the triple-combustion tore the two out of each other's hold. For Cloud? He was sent rolling and tumbling before coming to a rough stop with his face in the dirt. The surrounding area was, thankfully, not catching fire as most of the aftermath was ashes and cinder on the road. And when his ears finally stopped ringing and his vision returned to him, ]

Ggh—

[ C'mon. Get up. Try to make heads or tails of this. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[as the lavahounds begin to shrink back, the corner of Zack's mouth twitches. There's something to be said about which one of them is more intimidating - and it sure as hell ain't him as much as he would like to claim otherwise. Maybe intimidating isn't the right word, but Cloud has a different kind of surety and confidence than Zack has. It's not a bad thing; it's like they compliment each other, and he can't help but be reminded of other people with a similar presence.

Honestly, he's kind of reminded of Angeal. All Cloud needs now is to tell a bad joke or two.

He leans in when he thinks they're out of immediate danger to say something - something he forgets immediately when the daikabuto comes crashing in. Which - y'know, on retrospect, they should have been suspicious that this was all going so smoothly. Because when is anything this easy? There was always a bump in the road - or in this case, a giant beetle in the path - causing enough ruckus that every thought comes to a screeching halt in order to react.

He too reaches for a sword that isn't there and huffs out a curse as he grabs at nothing. He grits his teeth, flipping through every possible response they could have—and not a second or two before Cloud makes the same decision he does]

Shit—

[arms going around Cloud tightly in return, he plants one foot behind him to brace for impact and hunches over his friend. In those last few seconds he throws his faith into the spell that's supposed to protect them, because surely they wouldn't send them out here if it didn't work—

But it works. It's like a flashbang has gone off with the way he can't see anything, and there should be seering heat but it's not there. His ears are ringing but that can't be helped with the hounds exploding right there. They're in one piece, if a little shaken up, but unharmed. Zack lets out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

And then Cloud isn't there and he's being flung backwards.

Too close and too sudden for him to catch himself and he ends up on is back, skidding through ash and dirt until his momentum stops. He lays there for a second, staring blankly up at a sky still too bright thanks to the explosion. At least until he wheezes out a groan. The impact had been enough not to injure him, but it sure knocked the breath outta him] —oww.

[a beat, and then Zack's trying to scramble onto his side to get up. The ash doesn't help with him trying to catch his breath, but he manages enough to cough out -]

Cloud—

[sultanofsquat]

Zack—! [ He barely manages to get that out before being forced to cough, smoke and ash driven from his lungs as he wipes his mouth and face. The rest of the world feels so bright, edges of his vision white and hazy at first. But for every forced blink, grunt and shake of his head as he pushes himself back on his hands and knees, that issue wanes. They can thank their enhanced genetics for that reduced buffer period, until he can plainly see his best friend on his side, trying to get up too. ]

You okay??

[ Cough. Sputter. Okay that's gonna linger for a few minutes till they get a move-on. His friend doesn't look bloodied or blown to smithereens, so...he'll take consolation in that. Because finding his friend on the cold, hard ground, lying on his back would have been a Time.

Without so much as thinking or registering himself, he hops right back up to his feet in a bid to close the distance between himself and Zack— ]

Oh—

[ —only to nearly trip over himself as he's forced to rebalance on one foot. His eyes widen as the pain finally registers, halfway between shock and hurting as he stares down at his now bad foot. A foot that got terribly twisted up and somehow not broken in the fall. But can he put weight on it? ]

Ah- Dammit.

[ Nope. But that won't stop him from hobbling right over, feet dragging through the collective ash that litters the surrounding area. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[if he squints Zack can see Cloud slowly starting to get to his feet as well, and that's enough to ease some of the worry rushing through him. He gets to a knee and pauses there, coughing again as he lifts a hand to wave in answer]

Okay—? [he asks, and it's really just the ash and debris in the air making him cough now, the ringing and the brightness practically gone already. He shakes his head once, hard, chasing away the rest - just in time to see Cloud stumble as he stands up.

Zack's on his feet in an instant, a few quick strides taking him right over there. He reaches out to steady the blond, slipping an arm around him with the ease of doing it a hundred thousand time.

He frowns down at the foot Cloud's keeping his weight off of, brows drawn down in concern] Take it easy - don't try to walk on it if it hurts.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Zack coming out relatively unscathed puts him at ease, especially seeing him so quick to stride up to him as if they hadn't just been blown up by spooked fire doggos. The massive daikabuto carries on without so much a care, eventually the crack and protest of bending trees fading into the distance once more. If there's any consolation to all this, it's that the loud explosion was enough to startle away most the wildlife in the immediate area. Not that it did anything for a certain blond's ankle now, who feels immediately relief when a strong arm slips around him.

The only difference this time is that Zack doesn't have to sling a dead arm over his shoulder. Cloud takes care of that for him, without even meaning to as he hops to stand more upright. But their height difference still means that Zack's gonna have to get on his level. He's really trying to stand as tall as he can on one leg. :< ]

I'm fine— [ AH ] —fine I'm not.

[ He stares up ahead while leaning on Zack, the glowing remains of ashen lavahounds before them as the smoke and debris gradually clears up. A frustrated sigh escapes his lips as he finds himself reliant on his friend. Which wasn't a bad thing in of itself. Just...preferably not like this. ]

I got Healing Materia back in my room.

[ They've already gone a long ways, so he's not implying heading back. But... ]

Sorry.

[fairlyheroic]

[leaning down more to Cloud's height is another, familiar thing. Zack hunches down so that his friend can stand easier and you know, it's a lot easier without the bulky shoulder armor in the way, or the heavy Buster Sword on his back.

He makes a soft noise of sympathy and squeezes his arm around his friend]

Sorry? For what? [he pretends to think about it] The only guy who should be apologizing is that damn beetle, but he's long gone now. Those dogs, too.

[no apologies allowed, Cloud. Zack shoots him a brief, cheeky smile before looking down to his foot again. It's not a problem so much as a small hurdle, tiny even - and whether they keep going or not is up to Cloud. He gets it either way; he too is the type who would want to stubborn his way through something like a twisted ankle to get something done.

But they're both fine, a little shaken up and dirty but in one piece. A busted ankle is nothing, and an easy fix when they get back]

You know I'm good with whatever you want to do now. You just gotta stay off that ankle until we get to your room.

[...]

I could carry you on my back if walking like this is too much? [a genuine suggestion] Oooor I could throw you over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes, that's also an option. [a not-so-serious suggestion, more to add a little levity to all this]

[sultanofsquat]

[ He grunts as he doesn't quite smile back, but even while having a bum leg, his optimism is contagious. ]

This just blew up in our faces...

[ His teasing suggestion of getting hurtled over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes brings a little frown again. But it's less out of real anger or morose, as it bleeds into his tone of voice. He might as well just say, "Come on, bro." ]

Kinda wanna keep some dignity intact. [ Though with the path ahead longer with their slower pace, he thinks of the reason why he came here in the first place... He has to make more money so he can actually get that place in Kyoto. He's learning a lot about himself, admittedly, but he also didn't want to let Zack down.

Not ever again. ]

Let's keep going. We got a trial to finish.

[ Even if he has to lean on Zack when he's not strong. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack groans, but if you listen real close there's some laughter mixed in with it]

Ha ha, real funny. [he says, as if he wouldn't crack the same darn line himself. Maybe the Angeal comparison isn't that far off after all]

Unless you broke it when we got knocked back, it looks like your dignity is still in one piece to me. [because there's no need to worry about something like that if it's just the two of them. But Zack gets it, not wanting to seem weak - boy, does he understand that feeling.

He shifts a step closer to act as better support, leaning down just a little more] But if this is how you wanna do it, I'm good with it.

At least it sounds like nothing's gonna be bothering us for a while. [aside from them, the only noises he hears are the ambient noises of a forest at night, Oddly still kind of nice to listen to, even if he didn't get much time to enjoy it]

[sultanofsquat]

[ That earns a snort out of the shorter blond, doing his best to pull his own weight so he was less dragging himself and actually hopping along through his limps. If push came to shove, he could let go and balance himself on one foot. If they didn't have protection from the wild, he'd even be able to likely handle just about anything out here on one foot. Even if he technically never made it, a real member of First Class was like a one-man army. He even told Noctis as such when they first fought. Zack once told him that SOLDIER was like a den of monsters...

He may have still aspired for what Zack represented, but if they can harness the power of a monster? So be it. ]

Thanks for the diagnosis, doc.

[ There's no sense in moping too hard. Especially if he's able and going with him. His eyes set forward, it wasn't too long before they were dragging themselves away from the ashen carnage and back on the path. Relatively speaking, it's smooth. And there's solace in knowing that the climb isn't a steep one, but a long one.

"At least it sounds like nothing's gonna be bothering us for a while." ]

Yeah...

[ After that, it's the ambient sounds of the forest, the occasional branch crack or distant sound of large footsteps beating through the woods. For these two, hopefully, the worst of it was behind them. Which leaves the young blond alone with his thoughts as he focuses on not slowing Zack down. There's a part of him that's tempted to just take his hand and count on his friend's strength to support him as he uses it like a pseudo-crutch. If they could just snap off a branch somewhere and use it as a cane...

Yet as he spares a glance up at his best friend, soldiering on ahead without so much as a complaint or a worry on his face, soft mako blues tracing over the cross-scar. ]

...

[ But rather than dwell on a memory that he can barely recognize... ]

So...how'd you two meet? [ Another little piece he didn't realize was missing before, but got interrupted by...everything blowing up on them. ] You and Aerith?

[fairlyheroic]

Anytime. [he shoots back with a chuckle] I'll send you my bill later.

[Zack let's Cloud set their pace and he falls into step with him, and the quiet that settles over them is comfortable. There's no need to fill the silence, no need to chatter away because he was constantly on edge or tired or because he was absolutely certain Cloud could hear him despite everything pointing to the contrary. The body next to him isn't dead weight and—the reminders are there and they always will be, at least for a while. But he's making new memories to slot in with the others, so that the next time it comes up it isn't just their journey he's reminded of, but times like this, too.

And it's times like this that Zack is reminded of just how lucky he is to get a second chance, too.

But he doesn't let his thoughts wander too far. Doesn't let himself get caught up in memories he can't and won't talk about. His attention stays on the path ahead, on making sure Cloud doesn't stumble and that Zack is supporting, not carrying him along. Monsters and excitement aside, he's glad to be doing this with Cloud.

Cloud is the one to break the silence, and Zack tilts his head towards him curiously. They had been talking about that before the lavahounds, that's right]

I don't think I ever did tell you about that. [he laughs, one of those rare, quiet ones as a smile spreads across his face] I met her after I was promoted to First - right before I met you in Modeoheim.

[he'd met Cissnei as well, hadn't he? Reno and Rude, too] I got knocked through part of the plate above Sector 5. [he scowls a little, huffing] By Angeal. I was chasing down a scientist and he stopped me, and when I wouldn't fight back -

[he briefly frees a hand, gesturing with it] Down I went. Right through the roof of a church in the slums.

["An angel . . . ?"
"No. I'm Aerith!"

The scowl melts away, replaced with a small, fond smile] And when I woke up, there she was.

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud watches him, keeping the beaten path ahead in his peripheral whilst training his ear for any potential new threats. And it feels like he's being taken along for the ride with him, a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. The only real twist of a frown marring his lips comes when Zack mentions a scientist he was chasing down. He doesn't dare interrupt, however. Could it have been Hollander? Hearing Angeal's name again, and how he'd defected from Shinra as well and actually turned against Zack...

He can't help but looking up at him, still caring with a knit brow. Even if he had been asking about his relationship with Aerith. Honestly, in this little moment of weakness of his, he can let himself do this. He can listen to anything Zack wanted to say... It was like reliving old memories. Old times that had since passed the two of them by. ]

... Wait- You—

[ Until Zack finally gets to the payoff. And Cloud's brows go from a furrow to the polar opposite. His eyes? Wide. Mouth? Agape. As if Zack had just told the worst possible joke. It's just. Shock. His voice catches in his throat. And a well of emotions, as well as his own racing memories, bubble up inside of him until what finally breaches the surface is: ]

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

Snrk—

[ He laughs. His shoulders visibly shake and he smiles. Okay. This? Was too stupid. Too- Too- It's probably the brightest he's looked in a long time just by proxy of laughing. But he's quick to rein himself in, reminded of the twisted pain in his ankle as he re-paces himself and minds his steps. He steels himself, still wearing a smile in his voice even if it's lighter than in that burst of a moment. ]

You gotta me kidding me.

[fairlyheroic]

[maybe later, he'd tell Cloud the rest of it; the orders to assassinate Angeal and Genesis given to the army, and how Sephiroth had been sent as well because they knew Zack wouldn't do it. And how it had been Sephiroth's idea to find them first so they could "fail" their mission.

Yeah, maybe later.

But y'know, of all the reactions he could get, he wasn't expecting laughter. Maybe a smile or a grin. It catches him completely off-guard, and the smile that had been fading in concern of his friend's expression comes back, stronger than before. He hasn't heard Cloud laugh like that in years]

What? What's so funny? [but it's contagious, Zack laughing too as he helps Cloud steady himself again] It's the truth!

[sultanofsquat]

[ "It's the truth!" ]

You're not gonna believe this...

[ Well. He never told him this mission. The second bombing run. Guess this is one route in bringing it up! He recollects, his smile waning if only because it's not exactly a grinning topic when blowing stuff up is concerned. ]

I got hired back on with Avalanche to go after another Mako Reactor. This time it was Mako Reactor 5. Everything was going smooth enough— [ Well. Save the detour off the train. ] —till Shinra was waiting for us. [ His turn for a little scowl. ] Bastard even threw another giant killer robot at us.

[ Giant scorpions, giant grabs, giant flying manbots... ]

After we destroyed it, the explosion threw me off the bridge. And I fell...

[ Worrying as that sounds? After a little pause, there's a smirk. ]

...down to Sector 5. Through the roof of a church. First thing I saw when I woke up, was...

[ Zack? Does he even need to say her name? Because holy shit you two. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[it sure isn't a grinning topic. Zack's own smile fades into a frown, one that briefly deepens when Cloud mentions Avalanche. He'd heard the name once already here, and from Rufus of all people, when he explained that he had used them to try and murder his father. Now hearing it again - it couldn't be the same group, right? But if they were going after a reactor . . .

It's something he'll have to ask about another time, because he'd much rather focus on the rest of the story. The questions and curiosity gets filed away, along with all the rest of the things he'll ask one day.

He knows where Cloud is talking about, though and—wait.

—wait. Mako Reactor 5? That was where—

Zack slows them to a stop so that he can look down and stare at Cloud properly, eyes wide. Cloud smirks and no, he doesn't have to say her name. It isn't disbelief on his face but far from it, genuine surprise because that's - that's a one in a million coincidence. One in a billion? The odds of that were almost impossible and yet]

Seriously? You're not kidding?

[Zack knows he isn't, of course, but holy shit indeed.

. . .

The expression on his face doesn't change, but that sure is laughter starting to creep into his voice]

Did you land on her flowers, too?

[sultanofsquat]

Where else, man?

[ He's content in staying put. Especially when it's easier to concentrate on how absurd and funny this was. ]

We seriously just crashed her roof twice. What the actual hell.

[fairlyheroic]

[it's so stupidly funny, he can't help it when he finally bursts out laughing]

Those poor flowers.

[. . . look. Look, it's the perfect line and he has to say it]

I can't believe you fell for my girl, too.

[and he's cracking up all over again]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud is trying so hard not to laugh. Instead, it's coming out with him looking like an idiot trying not to crack. Well. Until Zack drops that line on him. And he actually tries shoving him in his hold. ...very weakly because he actually doesn't want to let go because of his damn foot when he huffs: ]

Get off me.

[ But don't. Because now Cloud's laughing with him. Two wayward backwater boys, making another journey together. And they're going all the way to the top with a smile. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack's still snickering as he leans with the shove as though the blond really did put all his strength into it, but not enough to unbalance Cloud. That's twice he's laughed now, and maybe it makes him a big dumb sap, but he's really missed hearing it]

C'mon, that was a good one!

[all he's really wanted since he arrived was to see the people he cares about happy and that's what he's getting with moments like this. They're gonna laugh their way up and down that mountain and really, that's so much more important than passing the trial. At least to Zack]

[sultanofsquat]

You only get away with it 'cause what are the odds.

[ But now that he's finished laughing, a satisfied little sigh escaping his lips...he adjusts his hold around Zack's shoulders, giving his far one a squeeze as if to signal that he's good to keep going. His eyes seem to shine a little brighter than usual, too. A side effect of the depth of their bond and the Kizuna that emboldens them on this trial. Cloud...hasn't felt this free in a while. Even if there were many questions left unanswered. Maybe they'll come up on this trip, maybe they won't. The one that's left missing...is how come Zack never went back to her. Did something important come up after they left Nibelheim?

For now, those questions linger in the background, the Kizuna that boosts his mood encouraging him to continue this trial. ]

Think I needed that...

[fairlyheroic]

No kidding. Geez . . . [Zack's laughter tapers off, the huge grin on his face softening into a smile instead. He's honestly glad that he hasn't asked anything like that because Zack would only have half-answers and promises to answer another time that, for all that he would try, would still seem suspicious. It would sober things and this . . . this is a good mood. The threat the monsters pose is the only thing to be worried about, and it's less so than before, now that they have an idea of how the spell works.

He squeezes his arm around Cloud in response and they start moving again]

I think I did, too.

[it isn't that he's been upset or anything - just the opposite - but he still feels a little lighter. Like all the things he can't help but think about all the time have been put on hold, just for a little while]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Circling back around to that at a later date, the bond they have only gets stronger, opening the blond up to talking more. Checking up on his roommate and best friend. Anything to keep his mind preoccupied off his bum foot. ]

And how was your adjustment period out here?

[ In the land of the Oni. Where you either die from heatstroke if you're not a SOLDIER, or the locals want to vomit at the sight of your turtleneck sweater. ]

[fairlyheroic]

It has been too bad. The only problem I've really had is the locals thinking my eyes are like this because of Kizuna. [and that's only a brief problem until he explains why his eyes glow. Which is honestly kind of amusing to Zack, that even in a world without SOLDIER, he's still getting flak - briefly, but that was still normal to him] But I like it here - even kind of dig the fashion.

[. . .]

Dunno if I could pull of something like you're wearing, though.

[sultanofsquat]

You too? [ For now, his Kizuna traits manifested in the form of glimmering mako particles that float up and away from him, or a brighter shine in his eyes. ] Think I've just preemptively stopped at least five people when they start talking about 'em.

[. . .]

L-Look, if I knew that I could get away with what you've got, I'd have done it. Guess I should have shopped around more...

[ Although, on the other hand, looking down at himself, ]

I, uh...tried matching myself up to someone else I know. [ And he's gotten used to it! But it'll be too soon if he ever slaps this bad boy back on. Sorry, Itto. ]

[fairlyheroic]

You gotta teach me your secret so I don't have to keep explaining it. [he doesn't really mind, but then there's the ones who want to know why and Zack ends up having to explain that and - you get the picture]

I don't know if I'm really getting away with it, but this was the best I could do without a second opinion.

[what is fashion when you've worn the same thing for seven years.

. . . wait, someone dresses like this normally?? Huh]

It doesn't look bad! I bet whoever it is would get a kick out of you taking inspiration from them.

[though Cloud does look better. Sorry Itto someone has a huge bias]