jikan_rpg | 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

[Steadily, hoping not to spook Ayaka, Edelgard closes the distance between them. Her face feels a little warm. She has the urge to just... touch, but for now refrains.]

Is the discomfort... a type of yearning?

... yes. [ Being truthful is what she can do for her friend, even if she looks completely guilty about what she's feeling. ]

Is it just me, or are you feeling that way, too?

You certainly aren't alone. Perhaps it's the spring?

[Its viscous texture is certainly suspect. It couldn't be because they're simply naked alone with each other, could it? Ayaka is undoubtedly beautiful, but would it not be rude to see her in such a crass way? Would such a thing not get between their friendship?]

I... think it might be. You have been here a while though, haven't you? Are you feeling anything else?

[ Edelgard was here in the spring before Ayaka even arrived. There may be something else, and she would like to make sure her friend is okay. ]

Will you promise not to be terribly offended if I am honest?

[Edelgard typically isn't honest, but... it's easier to be with other women. She's not sure why. Perhaps it's because those who caused direct trauma in her life have all been men.]

[ After what the two have shared with each other in the spring, it will take a lot for Ayaka to be offended by what Edelgard says.

She does not say that, however, instead nodding in response, giving the floor to Edelgard. ]

No. What is it? Please do not hesitate to be honest with me.

Well, then...

[Oh. Oh no. She can't make eye contact while she says this. Avert gaze, avert gaze!!! She can feel her cheeks flood with warmth as the desire inside her begins to rise unreasonably fast.]

I think I may want to touch you.

Touch...

[ Ah... She can't finish that sentence, repeating Edelgard's words in her head instead. Over and over. . . She'd be lying if she said she didn't want that. ]

That is... That is what i have been thinking about, too...

If... you've been thinking about it... would you be opposed to it?

[Edelgard swallows nervously. If she is, well... the emperor will just have to climb out and give Ayaka privacy. Because she's not sure how long she can ignore this feeling herself.]

[ Ayaka's expression is more thoughtful in comparison. This is... rather nerve-wracking. She may be as nervous as Edelgard is, possibly even more. Even still, she nods her head, cheeks turning even more red by the second. ]

... if it's you, then I don't mind.

Please speak up if I make you uncomfortable.

[Edelgard reaches out. Her scarred hand brushing Ayaka's cheek as she draws in closer through the thick goo. Slowly that hand moves, and she palms the curve of the other woman's shoulder.]

[ It is with a shaky breath when Ayaka feels Edelgard's hand on her cheek. It's scary, but she calms herself down quickly enough because she knows it is a friend touching her. She gave her consent, but it's still always the first touch that feels so— ]

Mm... [ There it is, the first step. Her face gets hotter and hotter by the second. ]

You're warm.

[A laugh spills from her lips — light and airy.]

I would hope so. One who holds flame from the goddess yet has no heat would be a quite pitiful person indeed.

[Not that she expects Ayaka to understand given the complications of what the experiments were for, the lore of the progenitor god, and the Crest of Flames. Instead she aims to distract her from all of that.

Edelgard's hand slides down Ayaka's arm to take the hand of the other woman, and once she has it she guides Ayaka to touch her in turn. Just her waist for now. Soft and obscured by the viscous fluid of the spring. If it's out of sight there's less to be nervous about, right?]

[ It is true — Ayaka does not understand, but she does consider Edelgard's words to be amusing, and it is met with a soft giggle before she lets out an airy breath.

When her hand is guided, she lets her knuckles gently brush against Edelgard's cheeks, then down to her neck, lower 'til her palm splays against just above the other girl's chest. ]

... You're very beautiful, Edelgard. [ But she imagines the other girl must not believe so. Ayaka offers a kind smile after saying that, as if saying "You must trust me on this". Just a completely heterosexual comment!!! ] And your lips...

[ Ayaka does not continue, mouthing without letting her voice out what would have been said, otherwise.

"They look very soft." ]

[A gasp fills her lungs when Ayaka rests her hand on her chest. It makes her feel the weight of her hand more prominently. Something welcome, something warm. She can feel the callouses of her hand and that they're situated just-so revealing how she holds her sword. A delicate detail worth cherishing.

Everything smells and tastes sickly sweet. Intoxicating. As if the goo from the spring has seeped into her skin and turned the world a rosy red. Dizzying, really. Everything feels fuzzy at the edges and every whim seems like a good idea.

So when Ayaka focuses on her lips, Edelgard cannot help but lean in and gently brush them against Ayaka's own. A featherlight ghosting of a touch meant to be easy to reject should the other woman find it ill-suited for their companionship.]

[ It is true, they are friends above all else, but Ayaka has come to realise that in this world? Such acts between friends are acceptable. While she still gets shy, she doesn't mind this one bit. ]

Ah... [ Soft and gentle as Edelgard may be with her, Ayaka chases after those lips to return the kiss. Not as featherlight as her friend's, sort of a response to say that this is okay, and she would like this.

She would like more, if Edelgard were amenable to it. The water they're in has demanded it of her, awakening an attraction for Edelgard that she never knew she had before. One that wants to explore, her palm rubbing itself against the emperor's skin before moving lower as Ayaka gives her breast a squeeze.]

June | Event: Trial of the Soul

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