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

[sultanofsquat]

Woulda been better if I had a bigger sword. Most bokken I've seen ain't what we're used to.

[ Now an odachi, on the other hand... As for whether or not he bested the One and Oni...Cloud can't help but fix his face with a half frown. Meaning that he had to have some sort of excuse. Yes, Itto. He's only slightly salty still. ]

I would have. If he didn't chuck a magic rock bull at me outta the blue.

[fairlyheroic]

They're shorter, right? I saw some when I went looking for a sword when I first got here, I think. Definitely not what we're used to.

[he's honestly trying to picture a bokken that size.

But instead now he's imagining a full-sized cow being thrown at Cloud and - hold on a sec]

A . . . magic rock bull. What, was it like - some kind of summon?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Honestly, Cloud doesn't know about Zack? But he's almost forgotten about his twisted ankle. ...to the extent that they've found a rhythm that works for them and he continues on as comfortably as he can with Zack supporting him. ]

I want a longer one. And a katana whenever I can afford one. [ Preferably an odachi. ] Kinda tired of getting stopped at front doors with a Buster Sword.

Uhh... [ Actually, dude? ] Technically, yes? Just a lot smaller. Think...quarter our height?

Come to think of it...you ever meet anyone here from Teyvat?

[ Cloud might as well try and horribly canon dump his best friend on the latest hit mobile action RPG— I MEAN ]

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack has forgotten it, too. Their rhythm is familiar, like he knows exactly how to lean down to support Cloud while not straining himself, too. Only he isn't the one leading, but rather, Zack is adjusting his pace to Cloud's.

He huffs out a little laugh]

That's a new problem, huh. [no one would stop a SOLDIER at the door because of their weapon back home] I can see you with a katana. Why the sudden interest?

[...]

So like . . . Tonberry-size. [it always comes back to Tonberries. He frowns thoughtfully, then shakes his head] If I do they haven't said they're from there.

[he hasn't met Ayaka (yet) and Diluc hasn't said where he's from, so nope, not ringing any bells]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Yeah the less Zack knows about the time that he got the Buster Sword stuck on the doorway in a hallucinating panic? The better. Be that as it may, ]

Um... [ Ah, he didn't think this far ahead. But Cloud wasn't gonna tuck his knees to his chest and hide away his problems like he did in Nibelheim. Focus on the path ahead, you two. Ignore the soft tint of pink dusting his cheeks. At least in the dark it's harder to see. ] My, uh...

[ C'mon, Cloud. You can do it. It's Zack. Trust him! Trust in your feelings. ]

She uses one... [ A beat. ] When I watch her fight, she moves faster than anyone I've ever seen.

[ And there's something beautiful about it all. Still like the morning dew. Swift as lightning. Something that he can't take his eyes off of. ]

And all I keep thinking is...what if I had a weapon like that.

[ Even if Cloud would one day come in possession of a long katana of his own, it wasn't Sephiroth who inspires him. Not anymore. Not in the same way Zack's SOLDIER pride did. Not in the way a white heron princess did. ]

That, and it'll be easier to take around places.

[ A simple answer at the end, but it's the true one that he confesses to him prior that counts. ]

Doubt I'm the best person to explain, but... Some people there have elemental abilities gifted by some gods. Visions... The guy I dueled had a Geo one, so...magical rock bull.

[ Okay trying to distract himself from a twisted ankle and thinking eloquently is harder right now. But. Abridged? fdalskj ]

[fairlyheroic]

[there's no teasing between pauses, just patient waiting as Cloud says what he wants to say. He's reminded of the shy teen from Nibelheim only this time, the answer is more than "it's personal". He was already starting to smile, but that makes it a little wider]

Your girl really must be something else.

["faster than anyone I've ever seen" is saying a lot, too. And being inspired by it . . . well, Zack can understand that] Does that mean she's going to teach you? If you get one.

But I bet it'll be easier to carry. You'll fit right in with some of the samurai.

[since he isn't teasing, he'll tell Cloud later that he's gotta meet this girl of his. . . . y'know, or he'll happen to do the trials with her, too.

But hey, that's not a bad explanation. It at least makes sense to Zack]

Huh. Do they all have summons like that, then? Or is it just this guy with the uh, rock bull.

[...]

He really threw a little bull at you?

[sultanofsquat]

[ It's new for him...and in truth, it's been a couple of weeks since they last saw one another. But he's never felt himself take a leap like this for anyone before. Not to this extent. But...she caught his eye. His attention. And he may have fumbled through it at the start, and had a long way to go, but Cloud was going to do right by her. For the person who gave him the chance to actually get a taste for what "living" was. Even for the simpler things that...honestly, Zack and Cloud both lost. ]

... [ No. For once, he's not going to shy away. It takes a bit of work to fight the embarrassment...or was it shyness? Yet: ] She really is.

[ He won't hide it. Except for her name apparently god he needs to tell Zack but CONTINUITY. ]

Think so?

[ He doesn't want to lose his roots...fabricated though they may be. The legacy they come from is important to him. ]

Think that's just an Itto thing...

[ ... .... ..... he's thinking about it all over again. The duel. Their awkward attempt to adjust to smaller weapons. The genshin impact. The salt from losing that way after. The— ]

Threw a goddamn little bull at me.

[ He's trying not to laugh again. It's failing. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[CONTINUITYYY it wasn't that this was new, per say - he would talk about girls with some of the other soldiers and, when he started dating Aerith, it wasn't as though it was a huge secret. But with a lot of the other guys, they were just quick, one off dates. And . . . Zack can't remember if he ever took Aerith on a proper one, and he sure didn't before or after her. So hearing about this is - strange, but in a really good way.

Besides, he's happy to hear that everyone else is happy. It's the most important thing to him]

I definitely think so. You'd probably give 'em a run for their money.

[bias, what bias?

If Cloud is trying not to laugh, well, that just means Zack is already laughing. It never will be something he gets tired of hearing]

Next time - if there's a next time - you gotta pick it up and chuck it right back!

[sultanofsquat]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[ His tone isn't as dry as it normally is when he says that, meaning it. There's a couple things that the blond had thought about already, and dueling the locals? Be it with Bokken or otherwise? Might have been part of it. But right now he's not looking for a fight. He's looking for the top of the mountain with his best friend. He's looking to finally make it to the other side of the path. Bad leg and all, he refuses to slow Zack down too much.

Even when there's something about this feeling that...both leaves him feeling comfort and a sense of deja vu. The fuzziest... ]

Oh I'll chuck it. [ Cloud no. ] And there's gonna be a next time.

[fairlyheroic]

Anytime! [if anyone ever needed a vote of confidence, all they'd have to talk to Zack. The ground begins to slope up, finally, the trees thinning out as they finally reach the base of the volcano. It doesn't look like it'll be too far now until they finally reach the peak.

He pauses there, giving them both a brief break and he takes a moment to stand up and straighten his back. He adjusts his support, briefly holding tighter like he expecting to have to support more weight - until he relaxes] Geez, finally. We're almost there.

[that's familiar too, isn't it, but assurances of "not too much further" and "you can keep going, right?" aren't necessary. For Cloud or for himself]

You'd better! It's only fair. [Cloud yes] Got a rematch with him?

[sultanofsquat]

I'd crack your back, [ Yeah because you two are so fucking old. ] but...

[ As Zack takes a brief break, Cloud limps back on his own, flinching once before he sets most of his weight back on his good foot. Placing his hands on his lower lumbar, he arches back and rolls his shoulders in a bid to get as much of a breather as his friend was. Just because he could stand against one leg, didn't mean he didn't need the help. He's already come to accept that now. ]

Somewhere down the line. But... [ In all truths? As fight hungry as the once-former SOLDIER used to be? As he stands at Zack's side, not sweating (literally sweating) the sweltering heat that comes with standing at the foot of an active volcano, at least it wasn't projected to erupt any time soon. ...r-right? ] I'm in no rush.

Not to get complacent, but it's been... [ Nice. ] Different, not having a mission or battle lined up.

[fairlyheroic]

[these ancient 20 somethings] I appreciate the thought.

[Zack gives Cloud some space as he stretches and he stretches his arms over his head, nose wrinkling. The discomfort is only temporary, though; it always is, when it's little things like this. And even despite the bumps in their little journey here, he doesn't think they have to hurry just yet - and even if they do, it's fine.

But he pauses, one arm still stretched behind his head, at what Cloud says. He tilts his head as he glances over, the corner of his mouth twitching up] Being able to take your time with something like that doesn't sound too bad. But yeah, it's . . . different. A good different.

After everything that's happened, I think we're allowed to be a little complacent.

[sultanofsquat]

Yeah... [ And if it's just the two of them...he can afford to be a little honest, he thinks. ] Aerith said this was a chance to make the most of our time here.

Still trying to figure out if I'm doing it right, but...

[ Between the journey he's taking right here and now with the man he looks up to, and the smile of a certain white heron princess that took a piece of his heart, Cloud's own expression manages to soften a little. ]

It's a start.

[fairlyheroic]

[the choice of words is probably a coincidence, but . . . Zack looks up the path in front of them and, for a moment, there's no smile on his face. His voice takes on a softer tone, one that matches his expression, a touch serious and - heavier, almost. Like there's more behind his choice of words, a feeling he's trying to express without explaining what it is]

She's right. We're not supposed to get chances like this - so make sure you take advantage of it.

[and then it's gone, the smile returning just as quickly as it disappeared. His hand shifts up to ruffle through Cloud's hair, slow and fond]

Okay? But as long as you're happy, then I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do it.

[sultanofsquat]

[ "We're not supposed to get chances like this -" That draws the blond's gaze as he looks up at his friend, lips lightly parted as he silently takes a breath. It wasn't very often that Zack wasn't wearing a smile, not counting being in the heat of battle on a mission. The cadence of his voice draws him as well, makes him really take the time to listen as he attempts to make heads or tails of it all. After Nibelheim...the last he saw of Zack before he arrived in Midgar was the both of them collapsed on the stairs leading to Jenova's chamber.

What happened after that? It's something his mind continues to keep distorted from him. But it's true; just as quickly as the smile fades, it's returned and the blond is back to being that little teenager again, looking up to someone worth aspiring for. Someone he continues to aspire after as he only lightly scrunches his brow upon getting his hair ruffled.

He allows it. There's not many people he would grant this kind of comradery and affection to. ]

Just keep moving forward... Right?

[fairlyheroic]

[he plans to take advantage of it, too - and getting in every little bit of affection he can for Cloud is a part of that. He'll keep getting away with it as long as his friend lets him; not that he's anywhere near shy, but sometimes some things are better said in action, rather than words. Words that are being saved up for when they need to be said.

His smile widens with a nod of agreement]

Right. [it's all they can really do. It's what they should do.

Cloud will be okay, he thinks. Whether he remembers what happened or not. He's never doubted it, but seeing proof that he will is nice, too]